By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has challenged senior commanders of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to pursue operational excellence anchored on unity, discipline and strategic clarity, as the Service consolidates under a new phase of leadership.
Air Marshal Aneke gave the charge on 11 February 2026 while delivering his opening remarks at a high-level meeting with Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding and Unit Commanders. He described the engagement as a critical moment for reflection and recalibration following his first 100 days in office.
According to the CAS, his recent operational visits across NAF commands exposed him to the immense sacrifices, resilience and dedication of officers and airmen in various theatres of operation. He noted that while the Service has recorded gains, the prevailing security climate demands renewed focus, collective resolve and unwavering professionalism.
“Together, we will continue to build a highly motivated, professional, and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower effects in synergy with surface forces,” he affirmed.
Air Marshal Aneke warned that the global and regional security landscape remains fluid and unpredictable, pointing to instability in the Sahel, the proliferation of extremist violence and evolving geopolitical alignments that carry direct consequences for Nigeria’s defence posture. He acknowledged modest improvements in certain parts of the country but maintained that insurgency, banditry and emerging extremist threats still require sustained operational pressure and adaptive strategies.
With election activities drawing closer, the CAS reminded commanders of the constitutional responsibility of the Armed Forces to remain apolitical and strictly professional. He condemned any attempt to undermine democratic order and reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s loyalty to constitutional governance.
“The Nigerian Air Force remains loyal to the democratically elected government. We will not tolerate indiscipline or unlawful conduct within our ranks,” he declared.
Outlining the objectives of the meeting, Air Marshal Aneke said deliberations would centre on performance assessment, operational recalibration and long-term capability development. Particular attention, he noted, would be given to advancements in airpower application, integration with ground forces and the expansion of unmanned aerial systems as force multipliers in contemporary operations.
He urged participants to engage in frank, solution-oriented discussions capable of translating into measurable improvements across commands and units, stressing that strategic conversations must ultimately yield tangible operational outcomes.
Expressing confidence in the Armed Forces’ collective capacity to safeguard national stability, the CAS reminded commanders that millions of Nigerians look to the military for security and reassurance.
“We are in a season of renewed hope and expectation… and we will not disappoint,” he assured, reaffirming the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to operational excellence and decisive action in defence of the nation.
