The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has deployed additional air assets to the North Central region under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) as part of intensified efforts to combat insecurity and restore peace in the area.
Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, confirmed that the deployment aims to reinforce the Air Force's commitment to enhancing security, supporting ground operations, and reassuring communities affected by banditry, kidnapping, and communal unrest.
Strategic Assessment of Operations
Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, conducted a firsthand evaluation of air operations under OPWS on June 17, 2025, to assess the effectiveness of these expanded efforts. The assessment included a high-level strategic engagement at the Headquarters Tactical Air Command in Makurdi.
The meeting brought together key military leaders including the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede; a representative of the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferreira; the Commander of OPWS; and both Maritime and Air Component Commanders, alongside other stakeholders.
During the engagement, critical updates were provided on the current tempo of joint operations aimed at restoring lasting peace across the region. The CAS revealed that the newly deployed air assets have been successfully integrated into ongoing operations, delivering real-time intelligence and precision targeting support.
This deployment represents a significant step in the Nigerian military's coordinated approach to addressing security challenges in the North Central region, which has faced persistent threats from armed groups.
The reinforcement comes as part of broader efforts by security agencies to implement more effective strategies against insurgency and banditry across Nigeria's troubled regions.
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