The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has deployed additional air assets to strengthen Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) in Benue State and other parts of the North Central region following the recent massacre in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area, where over 200 people were reportedly killed.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the deployment is part of a comprehensive strategy to support ground forces, restore public confidence, and enhance intelligence-led operations targeting armed groups and criminal elements operating in the region.
Strategic Assessment Visit
To assess the expanded operations, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, conducted a strategic visit to the Headquarters of Tactical Air Command in Makurdi on June 17, 2025. The high-level engagement included Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, representatives of the Navy, and top commanders from both maritime and air components of OPWS.
During the visit, the Air Chief received comprehensive briefings on the operational tempo and outcomes of recent joint missions. He revealed that the newly deployed assets have significantly enhanced capabilities in surveillance, armed reconnaissance, close air support, and precision strikes.
"Our aircraft continue to carry out targeted operations with commendable success, dismantling militia camps, bandit strongholds, and other criminal hideouts across Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States," Abubakar stated.
Commitment to Regional Stability
The CAS emphasized that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government's mission to stabilize the Middle Belt, noting that synergy among the military branches is essential to achieving lasting peace in the region.
"As long as peace is threatened, our resolve remains firm," the CAS affirmed. "The Nigerian Air Force will continue to provide decisive air support in collaboration with other security agencies to safeguard lives, restore order, and promote national stability."
The Service Chiefs at the meeting reaffirmed that inter-agency collaboration and operational jointness remain the backbone of OPWS. They emphasized that security forces are united in their goal to create a safe environment where communities can thrive without fear.
The Yelwata massacre has drawn nationwide concern, with various stakeholders calling for decisive action to prevent further attacks and ensure justice for victims.
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