The Nigerian Air Force conducted more than 2,900 sorties and logged over 6,100 flying hours between November 2025 and September 2026, using nearly 10 million litres of aviation fuel to support security operations across the country.
The figures were disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, ahead of the first anniversary of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, in office on October 30.
According to the statement, the operations involved precision air strikes, armed reconnaissance, surveillance and close air support to weaken hostile groups and improve the effectiveness of ground troops.
Ejodame explained that the missions were planned using actionable intelligence, with clearly defined objectives and assessments to determine their outcomes.
“Between November 2025 and September 2026, the NAF recorded over 6,100 flying hours and more than 2,900 sorties, consuming close to 10 million litres of Jet A-1 fuel in support of national security operations.
“These missions encompassed precision air strikes, armed reconnaissance, surveillance, close air support and other tasks designed to degrade hostile elements, disrupt their freedom of action and enhance the effectiveness of surface forces.
“Central to this effort has been intelligence-led mission planning, with operations guided by actionable intelligence, defined objectives and assessments of mission outcomes,” the statement said.
The Air Force spokesman noted that the emphasis remained on ensuring that every mission had a specific operational objective and contributed to the country’s security.
He added that the reported operational achievements aligned with Aneke’s transformation agenda, which prioritises operational effectiveness, personnel welfare, technological development and institutional accountability.
NAF prioritises personnel welfare
On the welfare of personnel, Ejodame said the Chief of the Air Staff had adopted the principle of “Welfare for Enhanced Warfare,” reflecting the position that motivated and adequately supported personnel were essential to effective military operations.
He said the Service had introduced measures to improve personnel allowances, medical care, accommodation and other facilities.
Welfare airlift services for personnel serving in frontline operational areas had also been restored.
The statement further disclosed that 57 senior officers were promoted to the ranks of Air Vice Marshal and Air Commodore.
In addition, 1,534 senior non-commissioned officers and 1,936 non-commissioned officers were elevated to higher ranks.
Ejodame said the NAF had also expanded professional development opportunities, with more than 550 personnel participating in international training programmes and professional engagements.
Over 6,000 others received training locally to improve their technical expertise, specialised skills and leadership capabilities.
New helicopters, aircraft upgrades underway
On efforts to modernise its fleet, the Air Force spokesman said five additional helicopters were delivered in September.
The aircraft comprised three AW-109 Trekker Type B helicopters and two H125 helicopters.
He added that the Service was pursuing the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters, alongside other aircraft and unmanned aerial systems, to strengthen its combat operations, airlift services, training and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
The NAF is also working to restore and upgrade six L-39ZA aircraft at facilities in Slovakia and Nigeria.
Meanwhile, periodic depot maintenance on a C-130 aircraft was ongoing in Portugal, according to the statement.
145 infrastructure projects completed
Ejodame disclosed that the Air Force had approved 284 infrastructure projects, of which 145 had been completed, while work continued on the remaining 139.
The projects cover several areas, including residential accommodation, educational and medical facilities, administrative buildings, operational infrastructure, roads, electricity, water supply and recreational amenities.
He also highlighted measures to strengthen aviation safety and accountability, including the establishment of an Operational and Safety Audit Committee and improvements to the Service’s Safety Management System.
According to him, the NAF is developing additional mechanisms to prevent and respond to civilian harm through standardised training and improved assessment and investigation capabilities.
The Service is also planning to establish an Open-Source Intelligence Centre to enhance situational awareness and operational planning by leveraging publicly available information and emerging technologies.
Air Force expands local production
As part of efforts to strengthen indigenous capacity, the NAF has pursued local production initiatives involving Aircraft Release Device 863 impulse release cartridges and a 250-kilogramme bomb-loading trolley.
The Service has also undertaken the development and ground testing of locally produced 57-millimetre rockets.
Beyond military operations, Ejodame said the Air Force had continued to implement community-focused healthcare, educational and other special projects aimed at improving civil-military relations and building public confidence.
He said the Service remained committed to converting investments in personnel, aircraft, training, technology and infrastructure into measurable improvements in operational performance.
“Through stronger joint operations, strategic partnerships, improved maintenance, professional development and responsible employment of airpower, the Service continues to pursue greater readiness and effectiveness in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges,” the statement said.
