The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has described air power as a decisive force multiplier in the ongoing fight against terrorism, stressing that its speed, precision and reach remain critical to addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

Air Marshal Aneke stated this on Wednesday during an operational visit to the 303 Composite Group of the Nigerian Air Force in Ilorin, Kwara State, where he assessed the unit’s combat readiness ahead of the formal launch of Operation Savannah Shield.

The visit formed part of a broader engagement that saw the CAS join the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, and other Service Chiefs for the inauguration of the new joint security operation designed to strengthen counter-terrorism and internal security operations in Kwara State and adjoining areas.

While inspecting operational aircraft, maintenance units and mission support facilities at the base, the CAS reiterated that effective deployment of air assets significantly enhances mission success, particularly in asymmetric warfare.

He commended officers and airmen for their professionalism and high level of preparedness, noting that operational readiness must be sustained as a culture rather than treated as a one-off achievement.

According to him, Headquarters will continue to provide the necessary logistics, training and welfare support to boost efficiency and ensure rapid response capabilities.

Addressing personnel during a durbar, Air Marshal Aneke highlighted the dynamic nature of security threats and called for adaptive strategies, stronger inter-agency collaboration and sustained morale among troops.

The flag-off ceremony of Operation Savannah Shield was led by the CDS, who explained that the intelligence-driven mission would combine both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to achieve lasting security outcomes.

The ceremony featured the decoration of the Operations Commander with the operational insignia and the formal presentation of the operation flag to the Theatre Commander, symbolising the commencement of coordinated joint task force operations.

In his keynote address, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State commended the Armed Forces for their commitment to safeguarding lives and property. He expressed optimism that the operation would bring renewed relief to vulnerable communities and pledged sustained collaboration between the state government and security agencies.

Reaffirming the Air Force’s resolve, the CAS declared that Operation Savannah Shield reflects the Armed Forces’ determination to deny criminal elements safe haven anywhere within the country.

He assured that the Air Force would maintain persistent surveillance and provide precise air support as required to protect communities and uphold Nigeria’s sovereignty.