Nigeria’s newly confirmed Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Aneke, has vowed to intensify the fight against insurgency and ensure that terrorists across the northern states are kept on the run with no room to regroup or plan attacks.
Speaking during his Senate screening on Wednesday, Aneke pledged that under his command, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) would become a disciplined, dynamic, and lethal force — professionally equipped to strike with precision and intelligence.
“I use the word ‘lethal’ in a professional sense,” Aneke said. “A man running from you will not have the time to plan to hurt you.”
In a statement released Thursday by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Aneke reaffirmed his commitment to building an agile air force rooted in training, technology, safety, and strategic innovation. He stressed that “true military power is not measured by brute force but by superior intellect and adaptability.”
Aneke outlined his leadership vision to strengthen Nigeria’s aerial capabilities, ensuring the Air Force operates intelligently across all domains — combining speed, precision, and professionalism to outmatch adversaries.
The Senate’s confirmation of Aneke’s appointment, following President Bola Tinubu’s nomination on October 25, reflects both constitutional oversight and strategic confidence in his leadership. According to Ejodame, Aneke’s appointment signifies “continuity in NAF’s modernisation drive, expansion of airpower projection, and deeper civil-military trust.”
President Tinubu also appointed General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, Major General W. Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Rear Admiral I. Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff, and Major General E.A.P. Undiendeye as Chief of Defence Intelligence. All appointments were confirmed by the Senate on October 29 after thorough screening.
With Air Vice Marshal Sunday Aneke now at the helm, expectations are high for a new phase in Nigeria’s counterinsurgency efforts one defined by intelligence, precision, and relentless pursuit of peace.
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