News
CAS: Airpower Is Decisive Force Multiplier In Counterterrorism Operations
CAS: Airpower Is Decisive Force Multiplier In Counterterrorism Operations
CAS: Airpower is decisive force multiplier in counterterrorism operations. The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, on 19 February 2026 undertook an operational visit to the 303 Composite Group (CG), Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Ilorin, where he assessed the unit’s readiness before joining the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and other Service Chiefs for the flag-off of OPERATION SAVANNAH SHIELD. The dual engagements reinforced the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s unified resolve to intensify counterterrorism and internal security operations in Kwara State and across the nation.
During his inspection of operational platforms, maintenance facilities and mission support infrastructure at 303 CG, the CAS noted that airpower gives the NAF speed, reach and precision. “When intelligently applied, it becomes a decisive force multiplier in counterterrorism operations,” he added. He also commended personnel for their professionalism and combat preparedness.
“Operational readiness is not a one-time achievement; it is a sustained culture,” he stated. “Our platforms must be serviceable, our intelligence must be actionable, and our personnel must remain mission-focused at all times.” He assured the unit of continued Headquarters support in logistics, training and welfare to further enhance operational efficiency and responsiveness.
Addressing officers, airmen and airwomen in a durbar, Air Marshal Aneke emphasised the evolving dynamics of asymmetric threats and the imperative for adaptive airpower strategies. He charged personnel to deepen inter-agency cooperation, sustain high morale and uphold discipline, stressing that vigilance and professionalism remain critical to mission success.
The visit culminated in the flag-off ceremony of OPERATION SAVANNAH SHIELD, led by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, who underscored the strategic framework of the operation.
He explained that the mission is intelligence-led and designed with a robust and enduring structure that combines kinetic and non-kinetic lines of effort to achieve sustainable security outcomes. The ceremony featured the decoration of the Operations Commander with the operational insignia and the formal handover of the operation flag to the Theatre Commander, symbolising the commencement of coordinated joint task force operations.
CAS Air Marshal Aneke
The Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, delivered a keynote address, commending the Armed Forces for their steadfast commitment to restoring peace. Expressing appreciation for the launch of the operation, he noted that residents of the state would “sleep better now,” adding that the initiative has already brought renewed relief and reassurance to vulnerable communities. He pledged sustained collaboration between the state government and security agencies to consolidate the gains of the operation.
In his remarks, the CAS declared, “This operation reflects our collective determination to deny criminal elements any sanctuary. We will dominate the airspace, provide persistent surveillance, and deliver precise air support wherever required.”
He further affirmed that the Nigerian Air Force will continue to project smart airpower with precision and purpose, leveraging sustained air presence, intelligence-driven missions and rapid response capabilities to protect lives, secure communities and uphold Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Oyedepo Declare Divine Judgement On Terrorists, Their Sponsors In Next Seven Days
The founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, has declared judgment upon bandits and their sponsors.
Mr Oyedepo said this during a church service on Sunday tagged: “Covenant Day of Vengeance.”
Speaking at the church headquarters in Ota, Ogun State, the cleric declared that within seven days, divine retribution would strike those behind k1llings and kidnappings across Nigeria.
“Except I am not sent, in the next seven days, I declare judgment upon those responsible for these disasters and their sponsors in Jesus’ name,” he said.
The cleric added that the coming week would be marked by “testimonies of vengeance” for the nation.
He said that God’s intervention was imminent.
Preaching on pathways to sanctification, Mr Oyedepo urged congregants to resist spiritual laxity, stressing that ungodliness blocks supernatural breakthroughs and stains destiny.
Oyedepo
He explained that ungodliness fuelled shame and reproach, warning that without holiness, believers risked losing access to eternity, which remained the ultimate goal.
He said, “Until the God of vengeance shows up, the wicked will not give up.”
International
US Air University Inducts Chief Of The Air Staff Into International Honor Roll Class Of 2026
US Air University Inducts Chief Of The Air Staff Into International Honor Roll Class Of 2026
The Department of the Air Force, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, United States, has honoured the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, with induction into the International Honor Roll (IHR) Class of 2026, a prestigious recognition reserved for distinguished global air power leaders.
Air Marshal Aneke, who attended the Air War College at Air University in 2016 as a member of Seminar 7, was formally inducted on 10 April 2026 alongside 15 other Air Chiefs and 2 Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (CMSAF) equivalents from across the world, further projecting Nigeria’s growing stature in international military leadership and strategic air power diplomacy.
The ceremony was specially designed to recognise senior Air Force officers who, having passed through the Air War College, have risen to the pinnacle of their professional careers as Air Chiefs and CMSAF equivalents in their respective countries.
As part of the prestigious programme, the participants were received by Governor Kay Ivey at the Governor’s Mansion before proceeding on a series of heritage and institutional visits to the Alabama Supreme Court in Montgomery, the Air University Library, the Enlisted Heritage Museum, Maxwell Club, the Air War College, as well as the SNCO Academy at Gunter Annex. The engagements highlighted the enduring values of professional military education, strategic leadership, and the deep bonds shared among alumni of one of the world’s foremost centres of air power excellence.
Air Marshal Aneke was accompanied on the occasion by the NAFOWA National President, Mrs Ngozi Aneke, the Defence Attaché, and other Nigerians resident in the United States, underscoring the significance of the honour to both the Nigerian Air Force and the nation at large.
US Air University Inducts Chief Of The Air Staff
The high point of the event was the presentation of the International Alumni certificates by Lieutenant General Trulley, symbolising the institution’s recognition of the CAS’s exemplary career trajectory, strategic leadership, and contributions to advancing air power in Nigeria and beyond.
The induction further reinforces the Nigerian Air Force’s reputation for producing globally respected leaders committed to excellence, innovation, and international defence cooperation.
She-Fix 2.0: NNPC Retail Champions Inclusion, Impact, Opportunities For Women
She-Fix 2.0: NNPC retail champions inclusion, impact, opportunities for women in his remarks, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Limited,
Andy Odeh, said women in today’s energy sector are leading change,
building institutions, and shaping the narrative of an industry already in
transition.
He reiterated that when women lead, value follows, and when
value follows, organisations grow and society prospers.
In its bid to advance inclusion, celebrate female excellence, and strengthen
women’s participation across technical and professional sectors, the NNPC Retail Limited (NNPC Retail), a subsidiary of the NNPC Ltd., hosted the
second edition of She-Fix 2.0, its flagship, women-focused initiative, in Abuja, on Saturday.
The event, held under the theme “Driving Diversity, Powering Progress”, was
attended by over 300 women professionals, business owners, young
technicians, and energy industry leaders.
In her address, Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim,
who described inclusion as central to national growth, called for more
opportunities for women in technical and STEM-related fields.
While commending NNPC Retail for its vision in establishing the initiative,
the Minister called for sustained collaboration between government and the
corporate sector to scale the programme further.
In her keynote address, Executive Vice President, Business Services, NNPC
Limited, Sophia Mbakwe, noted that women’s contribution within NNPC
Ltd. permeates every level, stressing that NNPC Retail, the company’s daily
point of contact with ordinary Nigerians, is a space where diversity holds
significant weight.
Managing Director of NNPC Retail Limited, Huub Stokman, who was
represented by Valentina Kojo, Executive Director, Finance, NNPC Retail,
stressed that women empowerment must be practical, visible, and
sustainable.
Highlights of the She Fix 2.0 initiative include a panel session, live car care
demonstrations, a marketplace showcasing female-led businesses,
interactive sessions, networking activities, and special discounts on Oleum
Lubricants and NR-GAS LPG products, reaffirming NNPC Retail’s
commitment to gender equity and inclusion across every part of the energy
value chain.
The panel featured five senior women from across energy, finance,
technology, and corporate governance namely: Emmanuella Arukwe,
Managing Director, NNPC Foundation; Maryamu Idris, Managing Director,
NNPC Trading Limited and OPEC National Representative for Nigeria;
Oremeyi Akah, Chief Customer Officer, Interswitch Limited; Toyin Alasi,
Founder and CEO, Money Wise International; and Adaeze Nwakoby, General
Manager, Governance, Risk & Compliance, NNPC Retail Limited.
NNPC
The She-Fix 2.0 initiative builds upon the momentum of the 2025 edition
held in Lagos. It symbolises a deliberate expansion of the programme’s
reach and reaffirming NNPC Retail’s commitment to growing a platform
which produces lasting outcomes for women across the nation’ energy
sector.
Andy Odeh
Chief Corporate Communications Officer
NNPC Ltd.
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