Nigerian Air Force Intensifies Peace Efforts in North Central Region
Oru Leonard
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has deployed additional air assets under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), to restore peace and stability in the North Central region. This move reinforces the NAF’s commitment to enhancing security, supporting ground operations, and reassuring communities affected by banditry, kidnapping, and communal unrest.
The NAF has successfully integrated newly deployed air assets into ongoing operations, delivering real-time intelligence and precision targeting support.
The operation involves synergy among the Armed Forces and other security agencies, with the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, and a representative of the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferreira, participating in a high-level strategic engagement.
Recent coordinated air and ground operations across Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States have led to the dismantling of several militia camps, bandit enclaves, and criminal hideouts.
The CAS revealed that the newly deployed air assets have been successfully integrated into ongoing operations, delivering real-time intelligence and precision targeting support. He stated, “Our aircraft have continued to conduct surveillance, armed reconnaissance, close air support, and precision strike missions with remarkable success.
🗣️ further, Air Marshal Abubakar noted that the current deployment aligns with the Federal Government’s overarching mission to stabilise the Middle Belt region. He highlighted the impact of recent coordinated air and ground operations across Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States, which have led to the dismantling of several militia camps, bandit enclaves, and criminal hideouts. “These outcomes reinforce our unwavering commitment to protecting innocent lives and supporting national peace-building initiatives,” he stated.
While re- emphasizing NAF’s commitment to protecting innocent lives and supporting national peace-building initiatives, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar stated, “As long as peace is threatened, our resolve remains unshaken.”
The Service Chiefs jointly emphasized the importance of synergy among the Armed Forces and other security agencies, noting that jointness remains a cornerstone for operational success under Operation Whirl Stroke.
Operation Whirl Stroke was established to address security challenges in the North Central region, particularly in Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States. The operation involves joint efforts by the military and other security agencies to restore peace and stability in the region.³
