New Air Force Commander Vows to Restore Air Superiority in Fight Against Insurgents

In a bold declaration that signals a new era for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), the newly confirmed Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has vowed to sustain relentless pressure on insurgents, pledging that under his command, terrorists “will keep running without time to think or plan attacks.”

AVM Aneke made the statement during his confirmation appearance before the National Assembly on Tuesday, October 29, 2025, promising to lead a “versatile, disciplined, and lethal” Air Force capable of dominating Nigeria’s airspace and supporting joint military operations with speed and precision.

“I use the word ‘lethal’ in a professional sense,” he clarified. “Because a man running from you will not have the time to plan to hurt you.”

The new Air Chief outlined his leadership vision around four strategic pillars — training, technology, safety, and innovation — designed to shape a smarter, adaptive, and highly responsive fighting force.

“True military power,” he emphasized, “is not measured by brute force but by superior intellect and adaptability.”

Following his confirmation — which came after nomination by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 — AVM Aneke officially succeeds Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, joining other Service Chiefs on the Armed Forces Council.

Lawmakers at the session commended his operational record and intellectual depth, describing him as a “forward-thinking airpower strategist.” They highlighted his achievements as Air Officer Commanding, Mobility Command, where he strengthened strategic airlift capabilities, enhanced joint operations, and improved rapid response in complex security environments.

His leadership in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations was also lauded for its pivotal role in Nigeria’s counterinsurgency and internal security campaigns.

Observers note that beyond its military implications, AVM Aneke’s confirmation represents a deepening of democratic oversight and accountability in defence leadership. It also reaffirms continuity in NAF’s modernisation drive — particularly in airpower projection, force restructuring, and civil-military cooperation.

A seasoned pilot and scholar, AVM Aneke is a graduate of the U.S. Air War College, Montgomery, Alabama, and holds multiple advanced degrees in Strategic Studies, International Affairs and Diplomacy, and Political Economy and Development Studies. With over 4,300 flight hours across several aircraft types, he is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished airpower professionals.

Present at the confirmation session were the Minister of Defence, Dr. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, and the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, Senator Basheer Lado.

As he assumes command, AVM Aneke reaffirmed his resolve to build an Air Force defined not by size but by speed, precision, and purpose.

“The Nigerian Air Force under my leadership will be swift in action, precise in strike, and intelligent in execution — a force built not just for power, but for protection and progress,” he declared