By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced a major redeployment of senior officers across key command, staff, and institutional positions, in a strategic move aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, deepening synergy, and aligning the Service’s structure with the command philosophy of the newly appointed Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke.
According to an official statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the latest postings, approved by the CAS, affect several principal appointments at Headquarters NAF, as well as field commands and specialized units.
Air Marshal Aneke explained that the reshuffle was part of ongoing efforts to optimise command effectiveness, improve decision-making processes, and reinforce mission readiness in response to the nation’s evolving security environment. He emphasized that the reorganisation would inject renewed vigour into the operational framework of the NAF and foster a culture of innovation, adaptability, and excellence across all commands.
Among the key appointments, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Abubakar Abdullahi has been appointed Chief of Policy and Plans, while AVM Adeniran Ademuwagun takes over as Commandant of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna. AVM Ibitayo Ajiboye assumes the role of Group Managing Director, Nigerian Air Force Investment Limited (NAFIL) Group of Companies, just as AVM Precious Amadi becomes Chief of Operations. AVM Nnamdi Ananaba has been appointed Chief of Air Intelligence, and AVM Ebimobo Ebiowe takes charge as Superintendent of Standards and Evaluation. AVM Ahmed Dari now serves as Chief of Training, while the Transformation and Innovation Branch will be headed by AVM Mohammed Ibrahim, underscoring the Service’s growing focus on technological advancement and efficiency.
In the logistics and engineering sectors, AVM Olufemi Ogunsina has been appointed Chief of Aircraft Engineering, and AVM Michael Onyebashi assumes command as Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Mobility Command. AVM David Pwajok becomes Chief of Communication and Information Systems, while AVM John Ukeh takes over as Air Provost Marshal.
Further strengthening NAF’s administrative and welfare structures, AVM Simon Peter has been appointed Managing Director, NAFIL Housing and Construction Company, and AVM Chidiebere Obiabaka becomes the new Air Secretary. AVM Anthony Martins has been named Chief of Administration, while AVM Abubakar Sule takes over as AOC, Logistics Command. AVM Abdulrasheed Kotun has been appointed Managing Director, NAF Farms, and AVM Edward Gabkwet, a former NAF spokesman, now serves as Chief of Civil-Military Relations. AVM Osichinaka Ubadike has been designated Deputy Commandant, AFIT.
Other senior officers affected by the redeployment include AVMs Ahmed Bakari, Albert Bot, Idi Sani, Muhammed Suleiman, Jibrin Usman, and Japheht Ekwuribe, who have been assigned to various defence and inter-service establishments as part of efforts to strengthen joint operations and national defence coordination.
The Nigerian Air Force described the reshuffle as a strategic measure to ensure balanced leadership, enhance institutional effectiveness, and sustain the momentum of transformation under the new leadership of Air Marshal Aneke.
“The current redeployment reflects the Service’s drive towards building a smarter, more adaptive force, one focused not just on power, but on purpose, protection, and progress,” the statement added.
