The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has deployed additional air assets to the Air Component of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) in the North-Central region, intensifying efforts to combat insecurity and stabilize troubled areas in Benue and surrounding states.
The deployment, which includes surveillance and precision strike aircraft, aims to reinforce joint military operations against banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence, particularly in Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States.
Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information for the NAF, confirmed the strategic deployment in a statement on Tuesday. He said the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, recently visited Makurdi to assess ongoing air operations and meet with other security stakeholders.
During the high-level engagement, the Air Chief was joined by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, a representative of the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferreira, and top commanders of OPWS. Updates on recent coordinated operations were shared, which reportedly led to the dismantling of militia camps and criminal hideouts across the Middle Belt.
“Our operations have disrupted major criminal networks. These efforts are critical to restoring peace and protecting communities. The NAF will continue to provide decisive air support to ground forces in our joint mission,” said Air Marshal Abubakar.
He added that the new air assets have already delivered results, providing real-time intelligence, armed reconnaissance, and precision targeting capabilities that have enhanced ground troop effectiveness.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian military has strongly denied any involvement in the recent Yelwata killings in Benue State. Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, dismissed accusations of internal sabotage, stating that the military operates under strict rules of engagement and remains committed to civilian protection.
“There is no credible evidence implicating the military in the Yelwata incident. The violence is part of broader inter-communal tensions that require community cooperation and collective intervention,” said Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Acting Director of Defence Information.
General Musa also called for a holistic approach to peacebuilding and urged residents to stop shielding criminals.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to restoring peace in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, stressing that coordinated security action and community support are essential for long-term stability.
