The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has called for a whole-of-society approach to addressing insecurity in the South-East, stressing that lasting peace can only be achieved through stronger collaboration among governments, security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders and residents.
The call was made on Thursday at the South-East Regional Security Summit 2026 held in Umuahia, Abia State, under the theme “Collaborative Approaches to Strengthening Security and Regional Stability.” The summit was convened by the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), while the keynote address was delivered by Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika (Rtd).
Air Marshal Aneke reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s unwavering commitment to sustaining peace and security across the South-East, describing the summit as a demonstration of the collective resolve of stakeholders to restore lasting peace, stability and economic prosperity to the region.
He commended the South-East Governors’ Forum and other stakeholders for supporting the initiative, noting that despite recent security challenges, the region remains Nigeria’s historic industrial and commercial hub.
The CAS assured participants that the Nigerian Air Force, working alongside the other Services of the Armed Forces and security agencies, remains committed to ensuring that criminal elements no longer threaten the peace and prosperity of the South-East.
Highlighting ongoing military efforts, Air Marshal Aneke disclosed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria have intensified joint operations across the region, with the Nigerian Air Force providing critical Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), precision air interdictions and close air support to ground forces. He said the coordinated operations have significantly degraded the mobility and operational capabilities of criminal elements while creating a safer environment for communities and economic activities.
While acknowledging the importance of sustained military operations, the CAS stressed that security challenges cannot be solved through force alone.
“Bombs and bullets do not address the root causes of insecurity,” he said, urging governments, traditional rulers, community leaders, youth organisations and socio-cultural groups to deepen community engagement, mentor young people and create opportunities that discourage violence.
He also encouraged residents to embrace the “If you see something, say something” principle by providing timely and actionable intelligence to security agencies, noting that public cooperation remains critical to achieving lasting peace.
Air Marshal Aneke further reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to strengthening civil-military relations through medical outreaches and other community support initiatives aimed at building trust and fostering closer ties with host communities.
Expressing confidence in the outcome of the summit, the CAS said the Nigerian Air Force would remain vigilant and steadfast in supporting efforts to restore peace, strengthen regional stability and preserve the South-East as a thriving centre of commerce, innovation and enterprise.
