Nigeria’s War Against Insecurity: NAF Burns Nearly ₦18bn on Aviation Fuel, Flies 2,900 Combat Missions
Nigeria’s War Against Insecurity: NAF Burns Nearly ₦18bn on Aviation Fuel, Flies 2,900 Combat Missions
The rising financial burden of Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, banditry and other security threats has come into focus following revelations that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) expended nearly ₦18 billion on aviation fuel to sustain military operations between November 2025 and September 2026.
The expenditure, covering close to 10 million litres of Jet A-1 aviation fuel, highlights the enormous resources required to maintain aerial surveillance, combat missions and military support operations across troubled parts of the country. The development also raises important questions about the long-term cost of sustaining Nigeria’s counterterrorism operations.
According to figures released by the Nigerian Air Force, its aircraft recorded more than 6,100 flying hours and conducted over 2,900 operational sorties during the period. The missions included precision airstrikes, intelligence gathering, armed reconnaissance, surveillance and close air support for ground troops confronting security threats.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed the operational figures in a statement highlighting achievements under the leadership of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, ahead of his first anniversary in office on October 30, 2026.
Ejodame explained that the military operations were guided by intelligence-driven planning, clearly defined objectives and assessments designed to ensure that air missions contributed meaningfully to national security. He maintained that the Air Force remained committed to weakening hostile groups, disrupting their activities and strengthening cooperation with ground forces.
Beyond the substantial expenditure on aviation fuel, the Nigerian Air Force has intensified efforts to modernise its fleet and strengthen operational readiness. The service received five additional helicopters in September 2026, comprising three AW-109 Trekker Type B helicopters and two H125 helicopters, while plans are underway to acquire 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters and other military aircraft.
The Air Force also disclosed progress in personnel development and infrastructure, with more than 6,000 personnel receiving local training and over 550 participating in international training programmes. Of the 284 infrastructure projects approved by the service, 145 have been completed, while 139 remain ongoing. These investments are intended to improve personnel welfare, strengthen technical capacity and enhance military effectiveness.
However, the scale of aviation fuel expenditure brings renewed attention to the relationship between defence spending and measurable security outcomes. Although sustained air operations remain essential to combating insurgency and protecting vulnerable communities, the effectiveness of such investments will ultimately be judged by improvements in public safety, the protection of civilians and the military’s ability to reduce security threats across Nigeria.