The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) commitment to enhanced air power readiness, welfare-driven warfare, and smarter operational strategies
He reiterated the commitment during his maiden operational visit to the Tactical Air Command (TAC) and collocateppd units in Makurdi on 12 December 2025.
A statement issued by Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, stated that the visit was part of the CAS’s ongoing engagements with frontline units nationwide.
Precisely to assess operational conditions, strengthen command presence, and reinforce expectations for improved mission delivery.
Addressing officers, airmen, airwomen, and civilian staff during a durbar, Air Marshal Aneke highlighted the newly launched Command Philosophy: “To enhance and sustain a highly motivated, professional, and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive air power effects in synergy with surface forces for the realisation of national security objectives.”
He noted that although the philosophy appears concise, it encapsulates the strategic mindset needed to tackle Nigeria’s evolving security challenges. The CAS also commended TAC’s pivotal contributions to Operation WHIRL STROKE and other NAF theatres, describing the Command as “indispensable to the mission.”
He commended personnel for their courage and professionalism and stressed the need for heightened vigilance and operational intensity. He urged commanders to sustain anti-banditry operations within their Area of Responsibility while providing essential support to joint operations across the country.
“This is not the time to slow down,” he warned. “To retain initiative in today’s complex security environment, we must ensure the highest levels of aircraft serviceability, weapons readiness, and personnel proficiency. Nigerians see your sacrifices, and they depend on us to remain mission-ready.”
Air Marshal Aneke also reaffirmed his leadership’s emphasis on welfare, describing it as central to operational effectiveness. He reiterated his policy of “Welfare for Enhanced Warfare” and assured personnel of continued improvements in allowances, living conditions, administrative processes, and medical support.
He encouraged open communication, noting: “Your welfare impacts our fighting power. We may not solve every challenge at once, but we will tackle them in a structured and prioritised manner.”
On operational reforms, the CAS emphasised a shift toward intelligence-driven and technology-enabled missions, strengthened by a robust safety culture and effective utilisation of newly acquired platforms.
“The Federal Government has demonstrated immense confidence in us through significant investments in modern aircraft, armaments, and training. We must justify this trust with measurable results anchored on discipline, professionalism, and excellence,” he added.
In his remarks, the Air Officer Commanding TAC, Air Vice Marshal Patrick Obeya, thanked the CAS for his guidance and assured him of TAC’s full alignment with his strategic vision. He pledged that personnel under the Command remain motivated and committed to delivering decisive air power across all operational theatres.
The CAS commended TAC personnel for their dedication, adding: “Together, we will build a force that is agile, innovative, and capable of delivering air power effects wherever the nation requires.”