The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has approved the appointment of Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Edward Gabkwet as the new Chief of Civil-Military Relations in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). The appointment, part of a broader redeployment of senior officers across key commands and directorates, is aimed at strengthening engagement between the Service and the civil populace in line with the CAS’s vision of fostering trust, transparency, and cooperation in national security operations.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the latest postings—approved by the CAS—affect key appointments at Headquarters NAF, field commands, and units nationwide.
According to Air Marshal Aneke, the redeployment is part of ongoing efforts to optimise command effectiveness, enhance decision-making, and reinforce mission readiness in response to the nation’s evolving security environment.
Among the key appointments, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Abubakar Abdullahi has been appointed Chief of Policy and Plans, while AVM Adeniran Ademuwagun takes over as Commandant, Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna. Similarly, AVM Ibitayo Ajiboye is now the Group Managing Director, Nigerian Air Force Investment Limited (NAFIL) Group of Companies.
Others include AVM Precious Amadi as Chief of Operations, AVM Nnamdi Ananaba as Chief of Air Intelligence, and AVM Ebimobo Ebiowe as Superintendent of Standards and Evaluation. AVM Ahmed Dari becomes Chief of Training, while AVM Mohammed Ibrahim heads the Transformation and Innovation Branch, underscoring the Service’s renewed focus on technological advancement and innovation.
In logistics and engineering, AVM Olufemi Ogunsina has been appointed Chief of Aircraft Engineering, with AVM Michael Onyebashi assuming command as Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Mobility Command. AVM David Pwajok is the new Chief of Communication and Information Systems, and AVM John Ukeh has been named Air Provost Marshal.
Further reinforcing administrative and welfare structures, AVM Simon Peter becomes Managing Director, NAFIL Housing and Construction Company; AVM Chidiebere Obiabaka is appointed Air Secretary; AVM Anthony Martins now serves as Chief of Administration; AVM Abubakar Sule takes over as AOC, Logistics Command; and AVM Abdulrasheed Kotun becomes Managing Director, NAF Farms. Additionally, AVM Edward Gabkwet has been appointed Chief of Civil-Military Relations, while AVM Osichinaka Ubadike assumes duty as Deputy Commandant, AFIT.
Several other senior officers—including AVMs Ahmed Bakari, Albert Bot, Idi Sani, Muhammed Suleiman, Jibrin Usman, and Japheht Ekwuribe—have been posted to various defence and inter-service establishments to strengthen joint operations and national defence coordination.
The NAF described the redeployment as a strategic step toward balanced leadership, institutional effectiveness, and the consolidation of its transformation agenda under Air Marshal Aneke’s leadership.
With this wave of appointments, the Nigerian Air Force is set to deepen its operational capabilities and usher in a new era of smarter, adaptive, and purpose-driven air operations—anchored on the CAS’s vision of a force dedicated to power, protection, and progress.