The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke, on 11 February 2026 formally declared open a high-level meeting with Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding (AOCs) and Unit Commanders, marking a significant milestone as he clocks 100 days in office.
The meeting, held at the Air Marshal MD Umar Blue Room, provided an opportunity for reflection on the progress made within his first three months as head of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), as well as a platform to set the strategic tone for the months ahead.
In his opening remarks, Air Marshal Aneke described the first 100 days of his tenure as both eventful and instructive. He noted that the period enabled him to undertake operational visits, assess institutional processes and gain firsthand insight into the dedication and sacrifices of personnel across various commands and units.
While acknowledging that the period was relatively short, the CAS emphasized that it offered valuable lessons and highlighted areas requiring recalibration, consolidation and renewed focus.
He said the engagement with senior commanders was timely, allowing for collective reflection, alignment of leadership perspectives and strategic repositioning of the Service in line with evolving security realities.
Declaring the meeting open, the CAS charged commanders to approach their deliberations with unity, purpose and strategic clarity, assuring Nigerians that the Service remains committed to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and delivering decisive airpower in support of national security.
Air Marshal Aneke stated that the two-day meeting would review performance within the first 100 days, evaluate ongoing operations and consider presentations on key strategic areas, including the UAV Development Roadmap and the refinement of air power in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency campaigns.
He called for frank, solution-oriented deliberations that would translate into practical decisions and measurable improvements across the Service.
The CAS also reiterated the importance of professionalism, unity and cohesion within the ranks, especially as the nation approaches another election cycle. He reaffirmed the NAF’s loyalty to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Expressing appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership, Air Marshal Aneke pledged that the Air Force would continue to align its operations with national security objectives.
