NAF Deploys More Aircraft To North-Central To Bolster Peace Efforts.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its operations in the north-central region, deploying additional aircraft to support peace efforts following the Yelewata massacre in Benue State, which killed over 200 people on 13-14 June 2025. Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, Chief of Air Staff, announced on 18 June that the NAF would increase aerial surveillance and precision strikes to deter armed groups and protect vulnerable communities. The deployment includes drones and fighter jets stationed at the Tactical Air Command in Makurdi, aimed at enhancing rapid response capabilities in Benue, Plateau, and Nasarawa states.
The NAF’s operations focus on disrupting banditry and insurgency, which have plagued the region, displacing over 450,000 people in Benue alone. Abubakar stated that the air force would work closely with ground forces and intelligence agencies to target criminal hideouts, particularly in forested areas where attackers retreat after raids. The deployment follows President Tinubu’s visit to Benue, where he urged security chiefs to apprehend perpetrators of the Yelewata attack. The NAF’s increased presence is part of a broader strategy to address the security vacuum that allows armed groups to operate with impunity, as noted by Amnesty International.
Local communities have welcomed the move, with the Benue State Traditional Council expressing hope that aerial support will deter further attacks.
However, analysts warn that air operations alone may not address root causes like land disputes and economic marginalisation. Previous NAF interventions, such as in Borno against Boko Haram, have faced criticism for civilian casualties, prompting calls for precision and accountability. The Christian Association of Nigeria has urged the NAF to prioritise civilian safety, citing the region’s high population density.
The success of the NAF’s deployment will depend on coordination with other security agencies and the government’s ability to address socio-economic grievances. Governor Hyacinth Alia has called for a special intervention fund to support displaced communities, suggesting that military efforts must be complemented by development initiatives.
As the NAF ramps up its operations, the region awaits tangible results to restore peace and prevent further tragedies like Yelewata. The deployment signals a robust response, but sustainable peace remains a complex challenge
