As part of ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in the North Central region, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has deployed additional air assets under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) to reinforce its presence and enhance counterinsurgency operations in the area.
Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters, stated that the deployment is intended to reaffirm the NAF’s commitment to strengthening security, providing support to ground forces, and reassuring communities affected by banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence.
The statement added that the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, carried out a firsthand assessment of ongoing air operations under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) to evaluate the effectiveness of the enhanced deployment and operational strategies.
The visit featured a high-level strategic engagement held on June 17, 2025, at the Headquarters of Tactical Air Command in Makurdi. In attendance were the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede; a representative of the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferreira; the Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS); as well as the Maritime and Air Component Commanders and other key stakeholders.
The statement further noted that key updates were shared regarding the current pace of joint military operations focused on restoring lasting peace in the region.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) disclosed that the newly deployed air assets have been effectively integrated into existing missions, providing real-time intelligence and enhancing precision targeting capabilities.
