The Chief of Air Staff, Sunday Aneke, has lauded personnel of the Nigerian Air Force deployed under the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA Sector 1 for their professionalism, resilience, and steadfast dedication to ongoing counter-terrorism missions.
According to a statement shared via the force’s X account on Monday, the commendation was delivered during an Easter luncheon held on Sunday, 2026, at the operational headquarters in Kaduna. Represented by the Chief of Accounts and Budget at NAF Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Bukar, the CAS described Easter as “a solemn season of sacrifice, hope, and renewal—values that closely mirror the ethos of military service.”
He highlighted the troops’ consistent commitment, stressing that their high operational tempo and sustained readiness “continue to deliver tangible effects in degrading terrorist elements and reinforcing security and stability within the theatre.”
Reaffirming the force’s strategy, the CAS stated that the NAF would sustain its counter-terrorism drive through intelligence-led air operations, ongoing mission-focused training, improved logistics, and a strong emphasis on personnel welfare. He also called on troops to maintain vigilance and discipline, while honouring fallen heroes and those still engaged in challenging operational duties.
In his remarks, the Air Component Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA Sector 1, OA Okpara, expressed appreciation for the CAS’s continued support and outlined recent operational successes. “Ongoing precision strikes, armed reconnaissance, and surveillance missions have continued to degrade terrorist and criminal elements, while significantly restricting their freedom of movement within the joint operations area,” Okpara said.
The event featured a mix of cultural displays, music, and recreational activities designed to enhance morale and strengthen esprit de corps among personnel. In a symbolic show of leadership solidarity, the Special Guest of Honour and the Air Officer Commanding Air Training Command, Esen Paul Efanga, personally served meals to the troops, reinforcing unity and mutual respect.
The luncheon highlighted the Nigerian Air Force’s ongoing commitment to troop welfare, frontline morale, and the sustained fight against terrorism, underscoring its critical role in safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity.
