By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Air Force has reinforced its high-command structure with the promotion of 57 senior officers to the ranks of Air Vice Marshal and Air Commodore, a move aimed at boosting operational leadership as the country navigates increasingly complex security threats. The promotions, released on Thursday, 27 November 2025, reflect the Service’s drive to deepen experience, enhance decision-making capacity and prepare commanders for greater responsibilities across multiple theatres of operation.
In a statement announcing the elevation, Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said 27 officers had been promoted to the rank of Air Vice Marshal. They include Air Commodores SA Eyoma, GI Jibia, AA Adebomehin, ES Odekina, CE Akubue, SO Eyekosi, AO Akinbuwa, LI Kamat, AG Akinyimika, AO Bamidele, AK Famuyiwa, PJ Edem, SA Madaki, OT Salami, FO Ankeli, MJ Chidama, JJ Ijudigal, M Umar, IJ Ogbodo, U Ariahu, AL Dakwat, CE Akpa, EC Ukpong, IS Subi, IM Yusha’u, SS Lazarus and F Ekpah.
Another 30 senior officers moved into the rank of Air Commodore. Those elevated include Group Captains MA Imam, AA Komolafe, HI Eze, DU Edet, MB Umar, GH Okoh, SP Sekegor, PP Okonkwo, PU Okweugo, AU Yahaya, M Yahaya, IR Ubeh, OK Cole, EA Ifebi, RK Olundu, IO Akpasa, AK Mohammed, HA Meshack, SN Nwachi, ZB Shuwa, EJ Alabila, SA Osoniyi, AO Ogunmola, AJ Arumona, BI Jayeoba, CE Akuh, NN Onuoha-Mba, PA Garba, YM Abdullahi and M Suleiman.
The latest promotion cycle is regarded within the Service as both strategic and timely, coming at a period when the NAF is intensifying joint operations, refining intelligence capabilities and expanding airpower support to ground troops. Each officer on the list underwent rigorous scrutiny, based on professional competence, operational exposure, leadership qualities and alignment with the strategic direction of the Force.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the promotions as a recognition of sustained excellence and a call to higher responsibility. He noted that the security landscape shaped by terrorism, banditry, cross-border crimes and emerging asymmetric threats requires commanders who can combine clarity, speed and innovation in decision-making.
He reminded the newly promoted officers that elevation comes with heightened expectations. “This step forward is not only a mark of achievement, but a demand for greater service,” he said. “Our nation needs leaders who can think decisively under pressure, lead with courage and inspire confidence throughout the chain of command. Nigeria is relying on you to uphold the trust placed in you.”
Air Marshal Aneke reaffirmed the Air Force’s commitment to reforms geared towards building a more agile, intelligence-driven and technologically advanced force. He encouraged the officers to strengthen inter-service cooperation, invest in the mentorship of young personnel and maintain the discipline required for effective air operations.
The Nigerian Air Force congratulated the newly promoted officers, expressing confidence that they will continue to advance the Service’s mission through exemplary leadership, strategic insight and steadfast patriotism.
