By John Moses
In a renewed push to restore peace across Nigeria’s volatile North-Central region, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has deployed additional air assets under the ongoing Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS).
According to a statement issued Tuesday by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF, the deployment underscores the military’s heightened commitment to stabilising communities plagued by banditry, abductions, and communal violence.
The move follows an on-ground inspection of ongoing operations by Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), who visited Tactical Air Command Headquarters in Makurdi, Benue State, for a high-level security review.
The meeting brought together senior defence officials, including Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, a representative of the Navy Chief Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferreira, and key commanders from the air and maritime components of OPWS.
During the strategic session, the Air Chief confirmed that the newly deployed air platforms were already operational and contributing real-time intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance, precision strikes, and close air support to ground forces.
“These coordinated efforts have significantly weakened the operational capacity of armed militias, bandits, and other criminal elements in Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba states,” said Abubakar. “The impact of our joint actions is visible — numerous hideouts have been dismantled, and security has measurably improved.”
The Air Force Chief reiterated the NAF’s unwavering resolve to protect civilians and maintain pressure on violent groups. He stressed that the deployments align with President Bola Tinubu’s broader national security strategy for the Middle Belt.
“Our mission is clear: where peace is threatened, we respond with precision and resolve,” he said.
Military leaders at the session underscored the need for continued inter-agency collaboration, stating that operational synergy remains critical to the success of OPWS and broader peace-building objectives.
