CAS DEMANDS OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE AT HIGH-LEVEL NAF COMMAND MEETING
Abuja, Nigeria, 11 February 2026
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has urged senior commanders of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to pursue operational excellence underpinned by unity, discipline, and strategic clarity as the Service enters a new phase of leadership.
Delivering his opening remarks during a high-level meeting with Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding, and Unit Commanders on 11 February 2026, the CAS described the gathering as a critical platform for reflection following his first 100 days in office. He highlighted that recent operational visits across commands revealed the sacrifices and dedication of personnel, emphasizing that the moment calls for renewed focus and collective resolve.
“Together, we will continue to build a highly motivated, professional, and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower effects in synergy with surface forces,” Air Marshal Aneke stated.
The CAS warned that the global and regional security landscape remains volatile, pointing to instability in the Sahel, the proliferation of extremist violence, and shifting geopolitical alignments with direct implications for Nigeria’s defense posture. While acknowledging modest improvements in some areas, he stressed that insurgency, banditry, and emerging extremist threats require sustained pressure and adaptive strategies.
With elections approaching, Air Marshal Aneke reminded commanders of the NAF’s obligation to absolute professionalism and political neutrality. Condemning any attempts to undermine democratic order, he reaffirmed the Service’s loyalty to the Constitution. “The Nigerian Air Force remains loyal to the democratically elected government. We will not tolerate indiscipline or unlawful conduct within our ranks,” he declared.
Highlighting the meeting’s agenda, the CAS said discussions would focus on performance review, operational recalibration, and future capability development, including advancements in airpower application and unmanned systems. He encouraged frank, solution-driven deliberations aimed at delivering measurable improvements across the Service.
Expressing confidence in the Armed Forces’ ability to safeguard national stability, the CAS reminded commanders that the expectations of millions of Nigerians rest on their effectiveness. “We are in a season of renewed hope and expectation… and we will not disappoint,” he affirmed, reiterating the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to operational excellence and decisive action in defense of the nation.
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