By Bavoriat Clara
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to counter-insurgency operations, internal security, and the protection of lives and property during his maiden operational visit to the Air Training Command (ATC) and co-located units in Kaduna.
A statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the visit took place on 18 December 2025 and featured a durbar with officers, airmen and airwomen of the Command. Addressing personnel, Air Marshal Aneke described Kaduna as a strategic hub in the history and future of the Service, noting that the visit provided an opportunity for direct engagement and a reaffirmation of the core values and responsibilities of the Nigerian Air Force.
Earlier, the Air Officer Commanding Air Training Command, Air Vice Marshal Yusuf Dari, presented a detailed briefing on the Command’s mandate, training activities, achievements and challenges. He said the Command remains central to sustaining the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Air Force, stressing that the quality of air operations is directly linked to the standard of training, maintenance and support provided by the ATC.
Air Marshal Aneke said that following his assumption of office as the 23rd Chief of the Air Staff, he conducted a review of factors affecting operational effectiveness, which informed the development of his Command Philosophy. He explained that the philosophy is aimed at building and sustaining a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower in synergy with surface forces to achieve national security objectives.
The CAS commended personnel of the Air Training Command and co-located units for their dedication, emphasising the strategic importance of training and sustainment to ongoing counter-insurgency efforts. He noted that standardised training, mission-focused capability development, and the effective use of innovation, emerging technologies and strategic partnerships are critical to operational success, particularly in Kaduna.
During the visit, Air Marshal Aneke toured and inspected units and facilities, commissioned selected building projects to enhance training infrastructure and personnel welfare, and assessed operational requirements firsthand. He charged commanders to maintain high levels of readiness, discipline and leadership, stressing the need for sustained pressure and smart operations against banditry and other security threats.
He concluded the visit by reaffirming his policy of “Welfare for Enhanced Warfare,” assuring personnel of Headquarters’ commitment to their well-being. The CAS said that prioritising welfare, allowances, medical support and essential tools for duty would help ensure a motivated and effective force capable of fulfilling the Nigerian Air Force’s mandate of safeguarding lives, property and national security interests.
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