The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, on Thursday, 19th February, 2026, undertook an operational visit to the 303 Composite Group (CG), Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Ilorin, where he assessed the unit’s readiness.
Immediately after, he joined 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.
The Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who delivered a keynote address, commended 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.
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