By Bavoriat Clara
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has embarked on a two-day operational visit, beginning 5 February 2026, to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Ground Training Command (GTC) and other NAF units located in Enugu State, as part of efforts to reinforce operational readiness and deepen civil–military cooperation.
The visit underscores the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to enhancing national security, strengthening training institutions, and aligning capacity development with Nigeria’s evolving security landscape. A major highlight of the visit was a courtesy call on the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Barrister (Dr) Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, aimed at consolidating strategic collaboration in support of security and sustainable development.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the CAS commended the Enugu State Government for its sustained support to NAF personnel and infrastructure, particularly in the areas of accommodation development and improved access to essential utilities. Air Marshal Aneke described the relationship between the NAF and the State Government as a model of effective subnational partnership in national security.
According to the CAS, effective ground training remains fundamental to airpower delivery, noting that well-trained and motivated technical and support personnel are critical to successful air operations. He expressed appreciation to the Enugu State Government for its commitment to strengthening the Air Force’s capacity to safeguard lives and critical national assets.
Air Marshal Aneke further outlined the NAF’s long-term welfare and sustainability initiatives, which integrate housing development, agriculture, and operational resilience.
He explained that proposed collaboration on resettlement housing and agro-allied programmes would not only enhance personnel welfare but also stimulate economic activities within the State.
The CAS reaffirmed the NAF’s resolve to sustain intelligence-driven collaboration with sister security agencies to maintain peace and stability in Enugu State and the wider South-East region.
In his response, Governor Mbah assured the Nigerian Air Force of the State Government’s continued support in ensuring the security of Enugu State and the country at large. He disclosed the State’s readiness to allocate land for resettlement housing for NAF personnel, as well as additional land to support NAF Farms and other agro-allied services.
The Governor emphasized that security and development are mutually reinforcing priorities and commended the professionalism and stabilizing role of Air Force personnel in the region.
At the Ground Training Command, the CAS received an 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 improving operational effectiveness. The briefing highlighted the Command’s vital role in producing the technical and support manpower that underpins Nigerian Air Force operations nationwide.
The CAS also inspected training facilities and key operational assets across the Command and other located units, stressing that modern airpower effectiveness is sustained by a robust ground training system that ensures technical competence, discipline, and mission reliability.
Expressing satisfaction with the progress recorded, Air Marshal Aneke assured the Command of continued institutional support, reiterating that sustained investment in training remains central to building a capable, responsive, and future-ready Nigerian Air Force.
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