Why Nigeria Must Establish an Air Wing for the NSCDC Now

By Chris Echikwu Nigeria stands at a critical juncture in managing its internal security. Rising insecurity – from mass kidnappings and school attacks to assaults on religious institutions and the displacement of rural communities – has exposed a glaring weakness in the nation’s security architecture. While government efforts, including troop deployments and recruitment drives, are important, the reality is clear: Nigeria needs not just more boots on the ground, but new eyes in the sky. The call for an Air Wing within the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has never been more urgent. Insecurity Has Outpaced Our Security System Criminal networks exploit Nigeria’s forests, borderlands, and waterways as operational hideouts. Camps and routes exist deep in ungoverned spaces, beyond the reach of standard patrols. Ground forces are often reactive, arriving after crimes have already occurred. School kidnappings have become a hallmark of this crisis. Children are abducted, transported through bush corridors, and hidden in forest camps for weeks or months. The state frequently responds too late, relying only on limited human intelligence and local reports. This is not just a tactical failure, it is a structural one. Nigeria’s internal security agencies remain almost entirely land-based in an era where surveillance, rapid response, and deterrence demand aerial capabilities. Why the NSCDC is the Right Agency The NSCDC is far from peripheral. It already plays a central role in Nigeria’s internal security: Yet, it cannot effectively monitor or respond to threats across vast forests, swamps, and deserts. An Air Wing would transform the NSCDC from a reactive, defensive body into an intelligence-driven force. Strategic Benefits of an NSCDC Air Wing An Air Wing would provide: This is not about militarizing the NSCDC; it is about modernizing it. Across Africa and Asia, countries Nigeria often compares itself to already deploy drones and light aircraft as standard tools for internal security. Fighting 21st-century crime with 20th-century methods is no longer viable. Financing: Affordable and Sustainable Arguments that Nigeria “cannot afford it” ignore the true cost of inaction. Insecurity already drains the economy through: A modest fleet of drones and light aircraft would cost far less than the economic loss caused by a single kidnapping wave. Financing could come from: The return on investment would be immediate. The Risk of Doing Nothing Without modernization, the human and economic toll will worsen: A state that cannot see its territory cannot govern it. Conclusion: The Skies Matter Nigeria faces a choice: remain trapped in reactive security measures or invest in intelligence, speed, and foresight. An NSCDC Air Wing will not end insecurity overnight, but it will end Nigeria’s blindness to the spaces where crime is planned and executed. National security is no longer determined solely by personnel numbers, but by the ability to see, interpret, and respond faster than the threat. Nigeria must choose vision over delay.

Police Foil Terrorists Attack In Katsina, Rescue 3 Kidnap Victims

The Katsina Police Command foiled a suspected kidnap attempt at Gogalo village, in Jibia local government area of the state and rescued three kidnap victims. This is contained in a statement on Monday in Katsina by ASP Aliyu Abubakar-Sadiq, the spokesman of the command. “On November 11, at about 10:46pm, information was received at the Jibia divisional police station that armed bandits wielding dangerous weapons such as the AK-47 rifle, shooting sporadically, attacked the village and kidnapped three persons. “Upon receiving this report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Jibia, promptly mobilised a search and rescue team to the scene. “The team continued to comb the surrounding bushes until Nov. 12, at about 6am, the team succeeded in tracking down the suspected kidnappers, engaging them in a gun duel. “All the kidnapped victims were successfully rescued unhurt. Efforts are on with a view to arresting the fleeing suspects as the investigation proceeds,” Abubakar-Sadiq said. 

Troops Neutralise Terrorists In Anambra, Ebonyi, Imo Operations

Troops of “Operation UDO KA II” in the South East conducted a clearance operation on terrorists’ hideout in Orsumoghu Forest in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra. Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 82 Division, who stated this at the weekend in Enugu, said the troops neutralised two terrorists. He added that the clearance operation centred on suspected hideouts of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its Eastern Security Network (ESN). Unuakhalu stated that the terrorist group deployed Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) to slow down the troops, but the latter were undaunted. “The troops were able to dislodge the group; neutralised two of them, while others escaped with gunshot wounds. “Items recovered from the camps included a pair of military boots, one military belt, five mobile phones, one binoculars, leather hand gloves and police head warmer. “Others were one locally-made handheld IED and four locally-made IED launchers (Ogbunigwe),” he stated. Unuakhalu added that troops of Sector 2 of the “Operation UDO KA II’’ arrested a suspected gunrunner on Thursday while on a search-and-rescue mission at Effium in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi. He stated that the suspected gunrunner, one Francis Nwekire, 63, was arrested in his house with 48 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition. “Additionally, a suspected Effium Militia in Ebonyi was arrested and he led troops to their hideout. “Items recovered from the hideout were one AK 47 rifle, 20 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition and one AK 47 magazine. “Both suspects are presently in troops’ custody for further interrogation,’’ he stated. Unuakhalu also stated that troops of Naval Base, Oguta, under “Operation UDO KA II’’ began “Operation IRON TETE’’ on Friday to flush out IPOB/ESN elements from Agwa community in Imo. He added that during the operation, an identified member of the group, a known local gun fabricator nicknamed “Packing Store’’ was neutralised. He stated that items recovered during the operation were one pump-action rifle, one locally-made pistol and a head warmer with IPOB inscription. “Operation UDO KA II calls on law-abiding citizens of the Southeast not to relent in providing timely, credible and reliable information that will assist in ending this menace in the region. “Operation UDO KA II will continue combating crime and criminality in accordance with extant rules and regulations guiding its operations,’’ Unuakhalu stressed. 

Troops Conduct Clearance Operations in Imo, Anambra, Arrest Suspected Terrorist

Over the weekend, troops from “Operation UDO KA II” launched clearance operations in Imo and Anambra, resulting in the arrest of a suspected terrorist and the recovery of materials for making Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), motorcycles, stored provisions, and other logistical items within the terrorists’ camps. The operations were carried out in Lilu community and Orsumoghu Forest in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo, as well as in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra. During these clearance operations, the troops encountered various obstacles and successfully detonated numerous IEDs. They also engaged with terrorists who fled into nearby forests with gunshot wounds due to the troops’ superior firepower. Several terrorist camps and shrines were destroyed during these operations. The Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 82 Division in Enugu, Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, urged law-abiding citizens in the Southeast region to continue providing timely, credible, and reliable information to security agencies, particularly to “Operation UDO KA II.” Such information could lead to the apprehension of individuals who escaped with gunshot wounds. Unuakhalu also called on the people of the Southeast region to disregard deceptive tweets from self-proclaimed Biafra leader Simon Ekpa. He assured law-abiding residents that the region will be rid of criminal activities, as “Operation UDO KA II” remains committed to combating crime and criminality in accordance with established rules and regulations.

NAF Airstrikes Eliminate Terrorists, Destroy Gun Trucks In Borno, Zamfara

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says the Air Components of Operations Hadin Kai and Hadarin Daji, have eliminated scores of terrorists in stream of air strikes in their enclaves across the theatres. This is contained in a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, on Sunday in Abuja. Gabkwet said the Air component in the early hours of Saturday, carried out air interdiction missions at a newly identified terrorists’ hideout at Bukar Meram, near the Lake Chad region in Borno. He said the strikes became necessary after it was established that recent relocation of terrorists from Suwa to Bukar Meram general area, was to for possible resurgence of attacks on ground troops and innocent civilians. According to him, air strikes were authorised at the location in Bukar Meram to decimate the terrorists. “Feedback received after the strikes revealed the expected outcome was achieved as several terrorists were neutralised while over 40 motorcycles and six gun trucks were destroyed,” he said. NAF spokesman said that similar air strikes were carried out on terrorists on Oct. 11 by the Air Component of Operation Haradin Daji around Sangeko axis of Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara. He said the terrorists, who were in a convoy of about 70 motorcycles on the road track from Kabaro towards Sangeko, were subsequently engaged with several neutralised, their motorcycles destroyed, and others injured. Gabkwet said the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar has commended the professionalism and dedication of the Air Components. He quoted Abubakar as saying, “your efforts and support to the ground troops is commendable. Stay focused and do not be complacent as we must continue to give our citizens the confidence they deserve to thrive”. 

Army Conducts Field Training Exercise to Address Insecurity in Akwa Ibom

The 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army on Friday inaugurated Exercise Still Waters III in Essien-Udim Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom, to tackle all forms of security threats in the state. Brig.-Gen. Ken Chigbu, Commander, 2 Brigade, described the exercise as an annual field training event aimed at bringing together all the security agencies in the state to sharpen their skills on the rudiments of internal security operations. Chigbu expressed hope that it would provide an opportunity for joint efforts to tackle the emerging security threats in the state especially during yuletide. He said that the 2 Brigade in collaboration with other sister security agencies in the state have supported the State Government through both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to effectively tackle the threats be-devilling the state. According to him, “the event could not have come at a better time than now when there are growing concerns about the several security challenges confronting our dear state and nation at large’’. The commander said that the brigade, under the leadership of the General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Jamal Abdussalam was currently undergoing unprecedented changes. He noted that the brigade and indeed the Division have continued to benefit immensely from the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy of transforming the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated force. He thanked the heads of other security agencies for their synergy and support in fighting insecurity in the state as well as the Akwa Ibom Government for the support given to security agencies. In his remarks, Gov. Umo Eno commended the brigade for collaborating with other security agencies to ensure adequate security in the state especially in the area of intelligence sharing. Eno represented by his Deputy, Sen. Akon Eyankenyi, also commended the brigade for siting its base in Ikot Afanag, “a volatile area ravaged by the activities of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)’’. He said that the presence had restored peace and normalcy in the area and many displaced persons had returned to their communities. He pledged commitment to deepening cooperation with the brigade to ensure that Akwa Ibom people and other residents enjoy maximum security and maintain its status as one of the most peaceful and secured states in the country. The highlight of the event were crowd dispersal drills, aerial surveillance/support for the flag-off event by the Nigerian Air Force, presentation of souvenirs and medical outreach. 

Troops Neutralise 50 Terrorists, Apprehend 114 –DHQ

The Defence Headquarters says troops have neutralised 50 terrorists and apprehended 114 others within a week in various operations across North-East, North- Central and North-West. The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known while briefing newsmen on the operations of the Armed Forces, on Thursday in Abuja. Buba said the troops also rescued 49 kidnapped hostages within the week. He said troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the North East had sustained onslaught against Boko Haram and Islamic States of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, leading to the surrender of some of their fighters in Borno and Yobe. Buba said the troops also recovered 17 AK47 rifles, one AK47 rifle loaded with 21 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one hand grenade, 137 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and four mobile phones. According to him, the troops also neutralised 12 terrorists, arrested 26 and rescued six kidnapped hostages in the region. He added that the air component of Operation Hadin Kai conducted air interdiction around Damboa-Maiduguri and Gwoza-Madagali areas, during which some terrorists were sighted and neutralised with rockets. Buba said troops of Operation Safe Haven in North Central had while on fighting patrol, arrested suspected kidnappers in Kanam and Sanga Local Government Areas of Plateau and Kaduna states within the period. He said one AK47 rifle, four pistols, a Dane gun, 15 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and two mobile phones were recovered while two terrorists were eliminated, 12 apprehended and three kidnapped hostages rescued. The defence spokesman added that troops of Operation Whirl Stroke also conducted raids and arrested suspected terrorists in Takum Local Government Area of Benue and the Federal Capital Territory. Buba further said that the troops had apprehended 26 suspected criminals and illegal oil bunkerers in Gwagwalada and Abuja Municipal Councils of the FCT within the week under review. “Overall, troops neutralised four terrorists, arrested 28 terrorists and rescued one kidnapped hostage,” he added. In the North West, Buba said troops of Operation Hadarin Daji had conducted fighting patrol and neutralised terrorists in Katsina, Kaduna and Zamfara. He added that nine terrorists were neutralised, 12 arrested, and 25 kidnapped victims rescued. Buba further said that 10 AK47 rifles, one locally fabricated gun, 155 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one magazine and one vehicle were recovered from the criminals. The defence spokesman said an air interdiction by the air component of Operation Hadarin Daji on the enclave of a terrorist, Kamilu Buzaru, in Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State, succeeded in neutralising several of the terrorists. “It was acquired and attacked with rockets, neutralizing several terrorists and destroying their logistics,” he added. 

NAF Airstrikes Obliterate Terrorists In Lake Chad

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has said it neutralised several Boko Haram/Islamic States of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in air strikes in the Tumbuns on the fringes of Lake Chad in Borno. The Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, made this known in a statement in Abuja. Gabkwet said the air strikes obliterated the terrorists’ hideouts, destroyed their structures and strategic logistics base in the region. He said that Tumbun Fulani and Tumbun Shitu were struck between Sept. 27 and Sept. 30 after confirmation of the terrorists’ activities which constituted a threat to military formations and law-abiding Nigerians residing within the locations. At Tumbun Fulani, terrorists were observed loading jerricans in two gun-trucks concealed under shrubs. Subsequently, NAF aircraft were scrambled to interdict the location, believed to be a major logistics base. According to him, after the strike, Battle Damage Assessment revealed several terrorists were neutralised and the gun-trucks destroyed. He said that similar strikes were also undertaken at Tumbun Shitu after structures believed to be terrorists’ hideout were observed tucked under thick foliage. NAF spokesman said that three gun-trucks with terrorists were sighted moving into the location, adding that the need to strike the location thus became imperative. He said the aftermath of the air strike revealed that several terrorists were neutralised and the trucks destroyed. “The determination of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to significantly limit the activities of terrorists in the Northeast and indeed other parts of Nigeria remains on course. “Operational gains by the AFN are indicative of improved synergy and cooperation by all security agencies as well as the unwavering support of all Nigerians,” he said.

IGP deploys newly promoted Frank Mba, Bala Ciroma, others

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Usman Baba Alkali has approved the deployment  of the two newly promoted Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIG), Frank Mba and Bala Ciroma to departments. The Force Public Relations Officer,  CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja. He said Mba had been deployed  to head the Department of Research and Planning while Ciroma was deployed to head the Department of Training and Development Adejobi said Mr Hafiz Inuwa, a DIG had also been redeployed to head the Department of Logistics and Supply. According to Adejobi, with the recent elevation, Ciroma has become the supervising DIG for the North-East and Mba, the supervisory DIG for the South-East Geo political zone. The police spokesman said the IGP also approved the posting/redeployment of 17 Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) to various commands and formations. He said the posting are Abubakar Lawal,  AIG Zone 10 Sokoto, Abdul Umar, AIG Zone 15 Maiduguri, Williams Adebowale, AIG Zone 7 Abuja, Shettima Zanna, AIG Armament FHQ Abuja,  Ebong Eyibio Ebong, AIG Zone 17 Akure and Adepoju Ilori, AIG Maritime Lagos. Others are Okon Effiong, AIG FCID Annex Kaduna, Echeng Echeng,  AIG Zone 9 Umuahia, Susan Horsefall, Commandant Staff College Jos,  Bankole Sikiru, AIG DFA FHQ Abuja, Oladimeji Olanrewaju, AIG Zone 11 Osogbo and Odama Ojeka, AIG FEDOPS FHQ, Abuja. Adejobi said other AIGs deployed are Shehu Gwarzo, AIG Forensic, Yekini Ayoku, AIG R&P, FHQ Abuja, Yahaya Abubakar, AIG FCID Alagbon Lagos, Umar Sanda, AIG Zone 1 Kano and Ede Ayuba, AIG CTU FHQ Abuja. Adejobi said the Police Boss urged the senior police officers to continue to entrench professionalism and respect for rights of citizens in their new places of assignment. He also called on the officers to pursue the task of ensuring public safety and security in their areas of responsibilities with renewed vigour.