By Chimezie Godfrey
The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) resolve to boost operational efficiency, professionalism, and safety across its formations, saying the hopes of Nigerians are tied to how effectively the Force delivers on its mandate.
Air Marshal Aneke spoke on Thursday during his maiden strategic meeting with Branch Chiefs and Air Officers Commanding at the Blue Room, NAF Headquarters, Abuja. The high-level session, held on November 6, 2025, brought together top commanders of the Service to review operations, assess emerging challenges, and chart new strategies toward achieving operational excellence in line with national security goals.
Describing the meeting as a “critical platform to refocus, realign, and reposition the Air Force for greater impact,” Aneke said the Service had reached a defining moment where its performance directly affects national peace and stability.
“The aspirations of millions of Nigerians rest, in part, on how effectively we carry out our duties,” he said. “Mr President has given clear and express directives, and those directives will be implemented to the letter. There will be no ambiguity in our posture. The time for action is now, and we will deliver.”
The Air Chief stressed that his administration would be guided by professionalism, discipline, and clarity of purpose, with every policy decision revolving around two central pillars—operations and safety. He said these would be supported by robust logistics, modern technology, and effective administration.
“This is about putting square pegs in square holes,” Aneke noted. “The Nigerian Air Force needs leaders who can deliver, and I believe we have assembled the right team to take us to the next level.”
During the meeting, participants engaged in what the CAS described as “frank and constructive deliberations” to fine-tune the Service’s strategic direction. He encouraged open dialogue under the Chatham House Rule to ensure candid exchange of ideas and practical solutions.
According to him, the Service has now developed actionable frameworks designed to yield measurable results on the field, ensuring that every operation contributes directly to mission success.
Air Marshal Aneke also assured Nigerians that the Air Force remains committed to working closely with other security agencies to eliminate terrorism and other threats to national security.
He pledged that the NAF would continue to strengthen civil-military relations through community engagement and people-focused operations, emphasizing that protection of civilian lives and the prevention of collateral damage will remain core to its operational ethics.
“Protecting civilian lives and preventing collateral damage will remain a defining hallmark of our professionalism,” he affirmed.
The CAS expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his leadership and confidence in the Air Force, vowing that the Service would remain steadfast in achieving the President’s vision of a secure and prosperous Nigeria.