Renewed Air Assault: Defence Minister Pledges Victory Over Banditry, Terrorism

Katsina/Sokoto, Nigeria –The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is poised for a decisive offensive against banditry and terrorism, spurred by a visit from Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar and a significant boost in military hardware.

During an operational visit to Katsina and Sokoto states on Monday, Minister Badaru delivered a powerful message of unwavering commitment, praising the NAF’s ongoing efforts and promising a decisive end to the insurgency.

Speaking at Air Component Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA in Katsina, the Minister addressed airmen directly, emphasising the critical role they play in the fight.
“You are key to this fight,” he declared, urging intensified use of all available platforms to bring an end to the violence plaguing the nation.

He expressed gratitude for the NAF’s “heroic” efforts, highlighting their courage and resilience as an inspiration to all Nigerians.

Minister Badaru pointed to the tangible results of the ongoing operations. “Farmers are gradually returning to their farms, schools are reopening, businesses are picking up, and Nigerians can now sleep more peacefully,” he stated, attributing this progress to the NAF’s actions.

The Minister conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s confidence in the NAF, acknowledging the personal sacrifices made by its personnel.

He revealed that the President has provided the force with cutting-edge equipment, including state-of-the-art aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), to significantly enhance their combat capabilities.

The recent induction of the T129 attack helicopters, he declared, will be a game-changer.

“With these new platforms, I am confident we will make Mr. President and Nigerians proud,” Badaru asserted.

The Minister’s visit to Katsina served as the official launch of a crucial new phase of Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
He stressed the importance of synergy between the NAF, ground forces, and other stakeholders to maximize the impact of these enhanced capabilities.

Badaru’s visit extended to Sokoto, where he inspected combat readiness and toured the site of a new permanent Air Force base at Sokoto Airport.

This new base will further solidify the military’s presence and operational capacity in the region, signalling a long-term commitment to combating insecurity.

Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar echoed the Minister’s sentiments, expressing gratitude for Badaru’s leadership and emphasizing that the new T129 attack helicopters will dramatically enhance the NAF’s ability to neutralise threats to national security.

“They will transform our operational capabilities against those who think they can destabilise our nation,” he declared.

The combined message from the Defence Minister and Chief of Air Staff projects a clear signal of intent: the Nigerian Air Force, backed by substantial resources and political will, is poised for a decisive victory in the ongoing fight against banditry and terrorism.

The establishment of the new Sokoto base underscores a long-term strategy for lasting peace and security in the region.