In a renewed push to restore peace and stability across Nigeria’s North Central region, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has deployed additional air assets under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS).
The move is aimed at strengthening joint military efforts in tackling banditry, kidnapping, and communal unrest, and marks a significant escalation in air support for ongoing ground operations.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, made this known during a strategic operational assessment at the Headquarters of Tactical Air Command in Makurdi on Tuesday. 
The high-level engagement brought together key military leaders, including the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede; a representative of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferreira; as well as OPWS field commanders and other senior officers involved in the operation.
Air Marshal Abubakar disclosed that the newly deployed aircraft have been integrated into current operations, enabling real-time intelligence gathering, armed reconnaissance, close air support, and precision strikes.
He highlighted the effectiveness of recent joint air and ground offensives in Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States, which have resulted in the destruction of multiple militia camps, bandit strongholds, and criminal hideouts. 
“Our aircraft have continued to deliver precision targeting and surveillance with remarkable success,” Abubakar said. “These outcomes reinforce our unwavering commitment to protecting innocent lives and supporting national peace-building efforts.”
Reaffirming the NAF’s resolve, the CAS stated: “As long as peace is threatened, our commitment remains firm. The Nigerian Air Force will continue to provide timely, decisive air support in collaboration with our sister services to ensure the protection of lives and property.”
The Service Chiefs at the meeting jointly stressed the importance of inter-agency synergy, noting that coordination among the Armed Forces and other security agencies remains crucial to the success of Operation Whirl Stroke.
They emphasized that the ongoing operations are part of a broader strategy to create a safe and secure environment where citizens can live and conduct their daily activities without fear.
The deployment of additional air power, according to the NAF, is part of a comprehensive security strategy backed by the Federal Government, designed to stabilize Nigeria’s Middle Belt region and eliminate threats to peace and development.
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