After the shocking attack in Yelwata, Benue State, where more than 200 people reportedly lost their lives, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken strong action by sending more aircraft to the area.
These extra air assets are part of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), which is focused on improving safety in Benue and other North Central states.
NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, explained that the deployment is part of a bigger security plan. The goal is to help soldiers on the ground, bring back public confidence, and make intelligence-led operations more effective. These operations are focused on tracking and stopping criminal groups and armed attackers.
To follow up on the new deployment, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, visited the Tactical Air Command Headquarters in Makurdi on June 17, 2025. During this visit, he met with other top military leaders, including the Chief of Army Staff, Navy representatives, and commanders from both the air and sea components of OPWS.
Air Marshal Abubakar was given full details about recent missions. He said the new aircraft have greatly improved the military’s ability to carry out surveillance, air support, and precise attacks on enemy targets.
He proudly shared that NAF aircraft have been successfully destroying hideouts of militias, bandits, and other criminals across Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba states. These air operations have already made a strong impact.
According to the Air Chief, the deployment supports the Federal Government’s goal of restoring peace to the Middle Belt region. He stressed that working together as a team across the different branches of the military is very important in bringing lasting peace.
“As long as peace is under threat, we will not back down,” said Air Marshal Abubakar. He promised that the Nigerian Air Force will continue to offer strong air support alongside other security agencies to protect lives, restore calm, and keep the country stable.
At the end of the meeting, all the Service Chiefs agreed that teamwork and joint operations are the foundation of Operation Whirl Stroke. They said the military and other security forces are working closely together to make sure Nigerian communities can live in peace and without fear.
