By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, DFS, has reaffirmed his determination to strengthen the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) into a more professional, efficient, and safety-driven force capable of delivering on its constitutional mandate in line with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
Speaking during his maiden strategic meeting with Branch Chiefs and Air Officers Commanding (AOCs) held at the Blue Room, NAF Headquarters, Abuja, on Thursday, 6 November 2025, the Air Chief said the session was convened to deliberate on key operational and administrative issues, evaluate current challenges, and evolve pragmatic strategies to enhance air power delivery in support of national security.
According to a statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the meeting brought together the top echelon of the Service in what the CAS described as a “critical platform to refocus, realign, and reposition the Nigerian Air Force for greater impact.”
Air Marshal Aneke noted that the Service stands at a defining moment in its history, where its operational performance has direct implications for national peace and stability. “The aspirations of millions of Nigerians rest, in part, on how effectively we carry out our duties,” he said. “Mr President has given clear and express directives, and those directives will be implemented to the letter. There will be no ambiguity in our posture. The time for action is now, and we will deliver.”
Reaffirming his leadership philosophy, the CAS stated that his administration would be anchored on professionalism, discipline, and clarity of purpose, with all policies and resource deployments structured around two key pillars, operations and safety, supported by robust logistics, cutting-edge technology, and effective administration. “This is about putting square pegs in square holes,” he declared. “The Nigerian Air Force needs leaders who can deliver, and I believe we have assembled the right team to take us to the next level.”
The meeting featured frank, solution-oriented discussions designed to refine NAF’s strategic direction and operational posture. Adopting the Chatham House Rule to encourage open dialogue, the CAS assured that “everyone would be heard, and every contribution geared toward achieving practical outcomes.” He revealed that actionable frameworks had been developed to ensure measurable improvements in field operations, with every mission directly contributing to overall success.
Air Marshal Aneke further pledged the NAF’s unwavering commitment to joint operations with sister services and other security agencies to eliminate terrorism and violent threats across the country. He reiterated that the Air Force would continue to strengthen civil–military relations through community engagement and people-focused missions. “Protecting civilian lives and preventing collateral damage will remain a defining hallmark of our professionalism,” he affirmed.
The Air Chief also expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his confidence and leadership, pledging that the Service would remain steadfast in actualising the President’s vision for a secure and prosperous Nigeria.
