By: Gbenga Akingbule.
The new Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke on Monday stated that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is expanding its Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to improve targeting of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, while minimizing collateral damage and ensuring civilian protection in the North East Region and other parts of the country.
Gatekeepers News reports that Air Marshal Aneke said the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) in the North East Region is working amoniously with ground forces to root out terrorists from their hideouts.
This was revealed during a courtesy visit by the Air Chief to Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum at the Government House, Maiduguri.
According to Air Marshal Aneke , who is on a one -day operational visit to the Air Component of OPHK, NAF has since his assumption of office, intensified its efforts to support stabilisation efforts in the North-East region with a focus on enhancing operational readiness, air-ground integration, and intelligent application of airpower.
CAS said the NAF remains committed to continuing its efforts to secure the North-East Region, support the government’s stabilisation agenda noting that training efforts to ensure maximum effect when ” air assets are called upon to support ground operations — have improved tactical coordination and reduced the risk to friendly forces.”
” We have continued to expand our Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance efforts in the theatre to enhance target identification, protect civilians, and minimise collateral damage.” Air Marshal Aneke said.
The Chief of Air Staff noted that the region’s security challenges are complex and multidimensional, stressing that a more coordinated military-civil response is needed to drive positive results and secure peace in Borno and other parts of the region.
CAS maintained that the Nigerian Air Force remains committed not only to kinetic operations against terrorist elements, but equally ” to humanitarian and medical outreach programmes that relieve suffering and build confidence in the rule of law.”
He commended the Borno State government and Prof Zulum in particular for his commitment at supporting the Nigerian Air Force and initiating measures aimed at achieving sustainable peace.
” I would like to commend Your Excellency for your forward-looking leadership, especially in initiating community-based reconstruction and rehabilitation initiatives.
Your administration’s dedication to restoring livelihoods and essential services has significantly contributed to enhancing security and resilience in affected areas.
“The “Borno Model” of community engagement and reconciliation, which has prioritised healing, reintegration, and local ownership, exemplifies how non-kinetic strategies can complement military efforts to achieve sustainable results.” CAS said
