The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has reinforced the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) commitment to operational readiness and subnational collaboration during a two-day operational visit to the Ground Training Command (GTC) and other NAF units in Enugu State.
The visit, which commenced on February 5, 2026, underscored the Service’s drive to strengthen training institutions, enhance personnel welfare, and deepen civil–military partnerships in line with evolving security demands.
A major highlight of the programme was a high-level engagement with the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, at Government House. During the courtesy visit, the CAS commended the State Government for its sustained support to NAF personnel and infrastructure, particularly in accommodation development and improvements to essential utilities.
Describing ground training as the “engine room of airpower,” Air Marshal Aneke emphasized that well-trained and motivated technical and support personnel are critical to delivering decisive air operations. He lauded Enugu State’s support as a model of subnational cooperation in national security and reaffirmed the Air Force’s commitment to intelligence-driven collaboration with sister security agencies to sustain peace across the South-East.
The CAS also outlined the NAF’s long-term welfare and sustainability vision, highlighting initiatives that integrate housing, agriculture, and operational resilience. He noted that proposed collaboration on resettlement housing and agro-allied programmes would enhance personnel wellbeing while contributing to economic activity within the State
In his response, Governor Mbah assured the Nigerian Air Force of the State Government’s unwavering support, confirming readiness to allocate land for resettlement homes for NAF personnel as well as for NAF Farms and agro-allied services. He stressed that security and development are inseparable and praised the professionalism and stabilizing role of Air Force personnel in the region.Oló
At the Ground Training Command, the CAS received a detailed operational briefing from the Air Officer Commanding, Air Vice Marshal A.G. Kehinde, on training reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and personnel development initiatives aimed at boosting operational output. Air Marshal Aneke commended the Command’s leadership for aligning training standards with contemporary operational requirements.
The visit concluded with inspections of training facilities and key operational assets across the Command and other located units. The CAS expressed satisfaction with progress recorded and assured continued institutional support, reiterating that sustained investment in training remains central to building a capable, responsive, and future-ready Nigerian Air Force.
