By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of the Air Staff, CAS, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s unwavering commitment to counter-insurgency operations, internal security, and the protection of lives and property, describing the Service as fully mission-ready and resolute in the discharge of its national security responsibilities.
Air Marshal Aneke gave the assurance during his maiden operational visit to the Air Training Command, ATC, and co-located units in Kaduna on 18 December 2025. The visit and his remarks were disclosed in an official statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
Addressing officers, airmen and airwomen during a durbar at Headquarters Air Training Command, the CAS described Kaduna as a strategic hub in both the history and future of the Nigerian Air Force. He noted that the visit was not only professionally significant but also personally meaningful, given the central role Kaduna has played in the evolution of the Service.
“Kaduna occupies a special place in the history of the Nigerian Air Force and in my personal journey,” Air Marshal Aneke said, adding that the durbar provided an opportunity for direct engagement, honest dialogue and a reaffirmation of the shared responsibility to the mission and core values of the Nigerian Air Force.
Earlier, the Air Officer Commanding, Air Training Command, Air Vice Marshal Yusuf Dari, presented a detailed briefing on the Command’s mandate, training activities, achievements and challenges. He underscored the pivotal role of the Command in sustaining the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Air Force, stressing that the quality of air operations is directly linked to the quality of training, maintenance and support provided by the ATC. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen capacity and align training outputs with present and future operational requirements.
Air Marshal Aneke stated that upon assuming office as the 23rd Chief of the Air Staff, he prioritised a holistic review of factors affecting operational effectiveness, which informed the articulation of his Command Philosophy. According to him, the philosophy is designed to enhance and sustain a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower effects in synergy with surface forces in pursuit of Nigeria’s national security objectives.
“My Command Philosophy is not a slogan, but a working framework that must guide decision-making, planning, training and conduct at every level of command,” the CAS emphasised.
Commending the officers, airmen and airwomen of Headquarters Air Training Command and co-located units, the CAS highlighted the strategic importance of training and sustainment to ongoing counter-insurgency and internal security operations. He noted that standardised training, mission-focused capability development, and the effective use of innovation, emerging technologies and strategic partnerships remain critical enablers, particularly within the Kaduna operational environment.
During a tour and inspection of units and facilities, Air Marshal Aneke conducted a first-hand assessment of operational requirements and commissioned selected building projects aimed at enhancing training infrastructure and improving personnel welfare. He stressed that the prevailing security landscape demands sustained readiness, professionalism and discipline, charging commanders to maintain the highest levels of preparedness for personnel, aircraft and weapon systems.
“Banditry and other threats must be confronted with sustained pressure, smart operations and leadership at every level,” he said.
Concluding the visit, the CAS reaffirmed his policy thrust of “Welfare for Enhanced Warfare,” assuring personnel of Headquarters’ commitment to their well-being. He stressed that a motivated officer, airman or airwoman is a more alert, disciplined and effective asset, adding that allowances, medical support and the provision of essential tools for duty would continue to receive priority attention.
Air Marshal Aneke expressed confidence that through intelligence-driven operations, a proactive safety culture and efficient resource utilisation, the Nigerian Air Force would continue to fulfil its mandate of safeguarding lives and property and defending Nigeria’s national security interests.
