By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has reiterated the Nigerian Air Force’s determination to build a motivated, well-supported and combat-ready force, stressing that the welfare of personnel is directly linked to operational success.
The CAS made this known on 6 February 2026 during a visit to the Nigerian Air Force Base in Enugu, where he engaged officers, airmen and airwomen of Headquarters Ground Training Command and collocated units in an extensive and interactive durbar. The forum provided an opportunity for direct engagement between the Air Force leadership and personnel, aimed at strengthening cohesion, boosting morale and reaffirming the Service’s focus on ongoing counter-insurgency and internal security operations nationwide.
Reviewing his first 100 days in office, Air Marshal Aneke highlighted key reforms targeted at improving operational efficiency, reinforcing logistics and maintenance structures, and sustaining a professional force capable of projecting decisive airpower in support of national security objectives.
He explained that the Air Force is already witnessing improved operational output across various theatres, largely due to higher aircraft availability, better logistics coordination and a reinvigorated maintenance culture. He also disclosed plans for the introduction of modern combat platforms that would significantly enhance precision strike capability and further strengthen Nigeria’s deterrence capacity.
The CAS praised the critical role of Headquarters Ground Training Command and its collocated units in shaping operational outcomes, noting that the quality of training they provide has a direct impact on the effectiveness of personnel deployed to the frontlines. He urged them to sustain high professional standards, maintain operational pressure on adversaries and continue to assert air dominance against insurgents, bandits and other criminal elements.
Air Marshal Aneke emphasised that today’s security environment demands discipline, adaptability, innovation and unwavering focus from all personnel.
Placing strong emphasis on welfare, the CAS assured officers, airmen and airwomen that his leadership remains firmly committed to improving their living and working conditions. He pledged continued investment in accommodation, healthcare delivery, allowances and other welfare packages, describing motivated personnel as the true foundation of airpower.
The durbar session also allowed personnel to freely express their concerns on both operational and welfare matters, with the CAS assuring them that all issues raised would be addressed through structured and prioritised mechanisms.
He concluded by calling on personnel to remain steadfast, professional and dedicated to duty, reaffirming that the Nigerian Air Force will continue to strengthen its human capacity while intensifying operations across the country.
Observers noted that the visit clearly reinforced a core message of the CAS’ leadership: when personnel are well supported and motivated, the Air Force becomes stronger, more resilient and better positioned to achieve mission success.
