KAINJI, Niger – In a powerful address that blended seasonal reflection with a stark operational assessment, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has charged troops of Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY), Sector 3, to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, bravery, and unwavering vigilance. The message, delivered during a Christmas Luncheon at the strategically vital Kainji Air Base, underscored the unique sacrifices of military personnel during the festive period and the pivotal role of air power in Nigeria’s internal security operations.
Represented by the Air Officer Commanding the Air Training Command, Air Vice Marshal Ahmed Dari, the CAS began by acknowledging the personal cost of service. “As the world celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, let us reflect on the values of peace, love, and family that His birth represents,” Aneke stated. “I recognise that while many Nigerians enjoy this holiday surrounded by loved ones, you stand here in the heat and dust of Kainji, ever vigilant and ready. Your sacrifices are not in vain; they are the foundation upon which millions of our fellow citizens secure their own peaceful celebrations.”
The speech then transitioned from appreciation to a clear-eyed strategic briefing, elevating the event beyond a mere ceremonial gathering. The CAS explicitly defined Kainji not as a remote outpost, but as a “fortress of air power” critical to the national security architecture. This base hosts our best platforms, and the air interdictions and close air support missions that originate from here have significantly hindered the operations of bandits and terrorists, he emphasized.
To provide deeper context for the reader: Operation Fansan Yamma is a key component of Nigeria’s military efforts in the North-West and parts of North-Central regions, areas plagued by banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism. The “Sector 3” designation at Kainji highlights its role as a specific Area of Responsibility within this larger joint operation. The CAS’s mention of “air interdiction” (striking enemy forces before they reach a target) and “close air support” (directly aiding ground troops in contact) reveals the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) shift towards a more integrated, proactive combat role, moving beyond mere transportation and surveillance.
The Air Chief coupled this operational resolve with a firm commitment to troop welfare, a critical factor for morale and effectiveness. “We are dedicated to equipping you in every way possible—whether it’s improving living conditions, providing modern protective gear, or ensuring medical needs are met,” he assured the personnel. This pledge is essential, as sustained operations in harsh environments demand robust logistical and human resource support.
In a significant nod to the importance of civil-military relations, the event was preceded by a courtesy visit to the Emir of Borgu Kingdom, Muhammad Haliru-Dantoro IV. The CAS’s representative thanked the traditional ruler for his “leadership, wisdom, and support,” highlighting the cordial and constructive relationship between the NAF and the Borgu Emirate. Such community engagement is vital for gathering local intelligence and fostering the trust necessary for long-term security success.
Concluding with a resonant call to action, the CAS reminded the troops that “our enemies do not take breaks.” He expressed confidence that through continued commitment and strategic operations, peace and security would be restored. The luncheon thus served a dual purpose: a moment of communal respite in the spirit of Christmas, and a strategic rallying point reinforcing the critical mission of the men and women stationed at this frontline “fortress of air power.”
Reported by Mohammad Tijjani for the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Edited by Muhammad Lawal.
