The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, on Christmas Day, 25 December 2025, marked the festive season with Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel deployed at the frontlines, as he shared a special luncheon with troops and conveyed goodwill messages across all operational theatres nationwide.
The Christmas engagement underscored the CAS’s commitment to sustaining morale, demonstrating empathy, and personally recognising the sacrifices of personnel who remained on duty to safeguard the nation during the festivities.
In a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the CAS said the luncheon provided an opportunity for close interaction between serving and retired senior officers, critical security stakeholders, and frontline officers, airmen, and airwomen.
He commended the troops for their courage, resilience, and professionalism, describing them as the pride of the nation.
“While others celebrate with their families, you remain steadfast at your posts, ensuring that Nigerians can celebrate in peace and safety,” Air Marshal Aneke said, noting that Christmas at the frontlines symbolises patriotism, duty, and selfless service.
The CAS’s interaction with troops was conducted simultaneously across operational locations in Kainji, Katsina, Maiduguri, Port Harcourt, Makurdi, Kaduna, and Enugu, where Christmas luncheons were hosted and goodwill messages delivered to personnel within the respective areas of responsibility.
Addressing personnel across the theatres, the CAS reaffirmed the operational importance of maintaining vigilance during the festive season. He stressed that the continued presence of troops sends a strong message that the Nigerian Air Force remains alert, resolute, and fully committed to denying criminal elements any respite, irrespective of time or season.
Reiterating his Command Philosophy, Air Marshal Aneke emphasised that troop welfare remains central to mission success, assuring personnel of sustained efforts to improve living conditions, logistics support, medical care, and timely welfare initiatives to enhance morale and combat readiness across all operational theatres.
The Christmas Day engagements were met with positive reactions from the troops, many of whom described the luncheon as a morale-boosting reminder that their sacrifices are recognised at the highest levels of command. The gesture, they said, further strengthened their resolve to remain disciplined, committed, and mission-focused in the defence of Nigeria during the festive season and beyond.
