The newly appointed Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has said he will work with sister services, security and intelligence to ensure that the security situation of Nigeria improves.
Aneke stated this Thursday when he officially assumed duty as the 23rd Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) in Abuja.
“we will leave no stone unturned in discharging our constitutional roles in conjunction with other sister Services, security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies to bring about swift improvement in the security situation of Nigeria,” he said.
AVM Aneke described his appointment as “a tremendous privilege and a solemn duty.”
He pledged to lead with humility, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to national security.
He expressed deep respect for his predecessor, whose tenure was marked by professionalism, courage, and exceptional achievements, particularly in the fight against terrorism.
“On behalf of all officers, airmen, and airwomen, the new Air Chief commended the outgoing leader’s legacy of excellence and service to the nation,” he said.
He said under his leadership, the NAF would remain Willing, Able, and Ready to safeguard the nation’s airspace, strengthen inter-service synergy, and deliver the security architecture vital to Nigeria’s peace, progress, and transformation.
The CAS pledged to build on established foundations, enhance force readiness, and ensure that the Nigerian Air Force remains a disciplined, resilient, and mission-focused arm of national defence.
In his valedictory remarks, the outgoing Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God for the privilege of serving the nation and leading the NAF through a defining period in its history. He highlighted significant milestones in operational efficiency, capacity development, and intercontinental collaboration, including Nigeria’s historic assumption of the Chairmanship of the Association of African Air Forces. Handing over the mantle of leadership to AVM Aneke, he described his successor as an officer of proven integrity, dedication, and competence, one well-prepared to elevate the NAF to greater heights. He also paid heartfelt tribute to fallen heroes, acknowledging their ultimate sacrifice in defence of Nigeria’s unity and peace.
The former Air Chief urged his successor to sustain the gains recorded, maintain a combat-ready and people-focused Air Force, and continue prioritising the welfare of personnel as the bedrock of operational effectiveness. Concluding his valedictory remarks, he expressed gratitude to the President, the Armed Forces leadership, his course mates, colleagues, and family for their support throughout his service, while affirming his enduring confidence in the NAF’s capacity to uphold its sacred mandate.
