Air Marshal Aneke Rallies Air Force as ‘Operation Savannah Shield’ Takes Off in Kwara
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has declared airpower a decisive force multiplier in Nigeria’s counterterrorism campaign, as the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) intensified operational readiness ahead of the launch of Operation Savannah Shield in Kwara State.
Air Marshal Aneke made the declaration on 19 February 2026 during an operational visit to the 303 Composite Group (CG), NAF, Ilorin, where he inspected platforms, maintenance facilities and mission support infrastructure to assess the unit’s preparedness.
The visit preceded his participation alongside the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and other Service Chiefs at the formal flag-off of Operation Savannah Shield.
Addressing personnel during the inspection, the CAS emphasised that airpower provides the NAF with speed, reach and precision. “When intelligently applied, it becomes a decisive force multiplier in counterterrorism operations,” he stated.
Commending officers, airmen and airwomen for their professionalism and combat readiness, Air Marshal Aneke stressed that operational preparedness must remain continuous.
“Operational readiness is not a one-time achievement; it is a sustained culture. Our platforms must be serviceable, our intelligence must be actionable, and our personnel must remain mission-focused at all times,” he said.
He assured the unit of continued support from Headquarters in logistics, training and welfare to further enhance efficiency and rapid responsiveness in ongoing and future missions.
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During a durbar with personnel, the CAS highlighted the evolving nature of asymmetric threats and the urgent need for adaptive airpower strategies. He urged deeper inter-agency collaboration, sustained high morale and strict discipline, noting that vigilance and professionalism are indispensable to mission success.
The visit culminated in the official launch of Operation Savannah Shield by the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, who outlined the intelligence-led framework of the mission. He explained that the operation combines kinetic and non-kinetic lines of effort within a robust and enduring structure designed 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.
In his keynote address, Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, commended the Armed Forces for their steadfast commitment to restoring peace and security.
Expressing gratitude for the launch of the operation, he remarked that residents of the state would “sleep better now,” adding that the initiative had already brought renewed reassurance to vulnerable communities. He pledged sustained collaboration between the state government and security agencies to consolidate the gains of the deployment.
Reaffirming the Air Force’s operational resolve, Air Marshal Aneke 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 assured that the Nigerian Air Force would 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.