By Bavoriat Clara
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has charged senior commanders of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to pursue operational excellence anchored on unity, discipline and strategic clarity. He gave the directive during a high-level meeting with Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding and Unit Commanders held on 11 February 2026, describing the session as a critical platform for reflection following his first 100 days in office.
Air Marshal Aneke said his recent operational visits to various commands exposed the immense sacrifices and dedication of personnel, noting that the Service must now consolidate on its gains with renewed focus and collective resolve. He stressed the need to build a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower in close synergy with ground and maritime forces.
The CAS observed that the global and regional security landscape remains volatile, pointing to instability in the Sahel, the spread of extremist violence and evolving geopolitical alignments with implications for Nigeria’s defence posture. While acknowledging improvements in some parts of the country, he maintained that insurgency, banditry and emerging extremist threats require sustained operational pressure and adaptive strategies.
With elections approaching, Air Marshal Aneke reminded commanders of the need for absolute professionalism and political neutrality, reaffirming the Nigerian Air Force’s loyalty to the Constitution and the democratically elected government. He warned against indiscipline and unlawful conduct within the ranks, insisting that such actions would not be tolerated.
The meeting is expected to review operational performance, recalibrate ongoing strategies and examine future capability development, including advancements in airpower employment and unmanned systems.
Expressing confidence in the Armed Forces’ ability to safeguard national stability, the CAS assured Nigerians that the Service would not disappoint in its mandate to defend the nation.
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