Kainji — The Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Air Training Command (ATC), Air Vice Marshal Esen Paul Efanga, on January 29, 2026, carried out an operational assessment visit to Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base Kainji to evaluate operational effectiveness, force protection and mission execution of units supporting ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
The visit formed part of the Nigerian Air Force’s continuous command-level oversight aimed at sustaining operational readiness and the precision employment of air power in theatres of operation.
During the visit, AVM Efanga conveyed the determination of the Service to maintain decisive operational advantage, in line with the Chief of the Air Staff’s philosophy of people-centric, capability-driven and mission-focused air power.
READ ALSO: Insecurity: NAF trains 7,000 regiments, special Forces in the country
As part of the assessment, the AOC reviewed air operations conducted by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA Sector 3. He commended the high operational tempo, discipline and professionalism exhibited by both air and ground crews deployed at the base.
To further demonstrate operational readiness, a precision show-of-force mission was executed during the visit, reinforcing the Nigerian Air Force’s sustained air superiority and effectiveness across its area of responsibility.
AVM Efanga affirmed that NAF Base Kainji continues to operate from a position of strength, noting that forces remain mission-ready and optimally postured to deliver decisive air power at short notice. According to him, this reflects the Nigerian Air Force’s firm control of the operational environment.
Quoting the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the AOC stated: “The Nigerian Air Force will continue to apply air power decisively, relentlessly, and with precision to secure the nation, protect critical assets, and deny all hostile elements any freedom of action.”
He assured Nigerians that the NAF remains resolute, fully in control and committed to sustaining operational tempo until lasting security is achieved across all affected areas.
The visit, which also included interactions with personnel, significantly boosted morale among troops and reaffirmed the Service’s unwavering resolve to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
