By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has embarked on a two-day operational visit to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Ground Training Command (GTC) and other units located in Enugu, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen operational readiness, reposition training institutions and deepen strategic civil-military partnerships in support of national security and development.
The visit, which commenced on 5 February 2026, underscores the Nigerian Air Force’s resolve to align its training architecture with evolving security demands while fostering productive collaboration with subnational governments and sister security agencies.
A major highlight of the visit was a high-level engagement with the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Barrister (Dr) Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, aimed at consolidating cooperation toward a safer, more stable and development-oriented environment in the State and the South-East region.
In an official signed statement, Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed that during the courtesy visit at the Government House, Air Marshal Aneke commended Governor Mbah for his sustained support to NAF personnel and infrastructure, particularly in the areas of accommodation development and improvement of essential utilities.
The CAS described the partnership between the Nigerian Air Force and Enugu State Government as a model of subnational collaboration in advancing national security objectives.
“Ground training is the engine room of airpower. When our technical and support personnel are properly trained and motivated, our operational aircraft can deliver decisive results. I deeply appreciate the Enugu State Government’s commitment to strengthening our capacity to protect lives and critical assets,” Air Marshal Aneke stated.
He further outlined the Air Force’s long-term welfare and sustainability vision, highlighting initiatives that integrate housing development, agriculture and operational resilience. According to him, collaboration on resettlement housing and agro-allied programmes would not only enhance the wellbeing of NAF personnel but also stimulate economic activity within the State.
Air Marshal Aneke also reaffirmed that the Nigerian Air Force would continue intelligence-driven cooperation with sister security agencies to sustain peace and security in Enugu and across the South-East.
In his response, Governor Mbah assured the CAS of the State Government’s unwavering support and collaboration in ensuring the security of Enugu State and Nigeria at large. He confirmed the readiness of the State to allocate land for resettlement housing for NAF personnel, as well as land to support NAF Farms and other agro-allied services.
The Governor stressed that security and development are inseparable priorities, and commended the professionalism and stabilising role of Nigerian Air Force personnel in the region.
At the Ground Training Command, the CAS received a comprehensive operational briefing from the Air Officer Commanding, Air Vice Marshal A.G. Kehinde, on ongoing training reforms, infrastructure upgrades and personnel development programmes aimed at boosting the Command’s operational output.
The briefing highlighted the critical role of the Ground Training Command in producing the technical and support expertise that underpins Nigerian Air Force operations nationwide. Air Marshal Aneke commended the Command’s leadership for aligning training standards with contemporary operational requirements.
The CAS thereafter inspected training facilities and key operational assets across the Command and other located units. He reiterated that the effectiveness of modern airpower is anchored on a strong ground training ecosystem that guarantees technical excellence, discipline and mission reliability.
Expressing satisfaction with the level of progress recorded, Air Marshal Aneke assured the Command of continued institutional support, stressing that sustained investment in training remains central to building a capable, responsive and future-ready Nigerian Air Force.
