The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has reaffirmed that personnel welfare is central to operational effectiveness, stressing that mission success begins with well-motivated and well-supported airmen and airwomen.
Speaking during a highly interactive durbar with officers, airmen and airwomen at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Enugu, on 6 February 2026, the CAS said welfare and combat power are inseparable in modern air operations.
The engagement brought together personnel of Headquarters Ground Training Command (HQ GTC) and collocated units, providing a direct platform for dialogue and reinforcing unity of purpose across the Command.
Reflecting on his first 100 days in office, Air Marshal Aneke outlined deliberate reforms aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness, strengthening logistics and maintenance capacity, and sustaining a professional, mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower in support of national security objectives.
He noted that improved operational tempo across various theatres has been driven by better aircraft serviceability, tighter logistics coordination and a renewed maintenance culture.
The CAS also disclosed that the forthcoming induction of advanced combat platforms would significantly boost precision strike capability and reinforce Nigeria’s deterrence posture.
Commending the critical training and readiness role of HQ GTC and its collocated units, he said their professionalism directly supports frontline operations against insurgency, banditry and other security threats nationwide.
He charged personnel to sustain pressure on adversaries, maintain vigilance and continue to dominate the battlespace from the air, stressing that the evolving security environment demands discipline, innovation and relentless operational focus.
On welfare, the CAS gave firm assurances of sustained investment in accommodation, medical support, allowances and improved working conditions, reiterating that motivated personnel remain the foundation of airpower. The durbar featured candid exchanges on operational and welfare concerns, with assurances that issues raised would be addressed through structured, priority-driven interventions.
He concluded by urging unwavering professionalism and dedication, affirming that the Nigerian Air Force will continue to strengthen its personnel while intensifying operations nationwide, underscoring the operational truth that a supported force is a stronger and more effective force.
