Following the tragedy in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area, where more than 200 people were reportedly slain, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has increased air assets under Operation Whirl Stroke, or OPWS, to support security efforts in Benue and other areas of the North Central region.
The deployment is part of a larger strategy to support ground forces, restore public confidence, and improve intelligence-led operations targeting armed groups and criminal elements in the region, according to a statement released by NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet on Tuesday (note: the original statement stated Ehimen Ejodame, but Gabkwet is the current NAF PRO unless updated).
On June 17, 2025, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), made a strategic visit to the Headquarters of Tactical Air Command in Makurdi to evaluate the expanding activities.
Top commanders from OPWS’s air and marine components, as well as Navy representatives and Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, participated in a high-level interaction during the visit.
The operational pace and results of recent combined missions were reported to the Air Chief. He revealed that capabilities in precise strikes, close air support, armed reconnaissance, and surveillance had been greatly enhanced by the recently delivered assets.
“Our aircraft continue to carry out targeted operations with commendable success, dismantling militia camps, bandit strongholds, and other criminal hideouts across Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States,” Abubakar said.
He emphasized that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s mission to stabilize the Middle Belt, noting that synergy among the military branches is essential to achieving lasting peace.
The CAS declared, “Our resolve remains firm as long as peace is threatened.” “To protect lives, restore order, and advance national stability, the Nigerian Air Force will continue to provide decisive air support in cooperation with other security agencies.”
The meeting’s Service Chiefs reiterated that the foundation of OPWS continues to be interagency cooperation and operational unity, and that security forces are committed to establishing a secure environment where communities can flourish fearlessly.
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