The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, on Saturday, March 21, 2026, hosted personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) at an Eid-el-Fitr Luncheon at NAF Base Maiduguri, in celebration of the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan and in honour of frontline troops engaged in ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal A.Y. Abdullahi, the CAS conveyed his goodwill and profound appreciation to personnel for their professionalism, resilience and unwavering dedication in what he described as a challenging and evolving operational environment.
Also represented at the event was the Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, whose representative, the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar, joined other dignitaries at the luncheon.
In his address, Air Marshal Aneke noted that contemporary security threats remain dynamic and adaptive, with adversaries continuing to deploy desperate tactics in their attempts to destabilise the North-East region.
He, however, reassured troops of the Nigerian Air Force’s unwavering commitment to sustained offensive operations, stressing that intensified intelligence-driven air missions — including precision strikes, close air support, armed reconnaissance and interdiction operations — have continued to significantly degrade terrorist capabilities, disrupt logistics networks and limit the operational freedom of insurgents across the theatre.
The CAS further reaffirmed the Service’s determination to maintain relentless operational pressure through enhanced inter-service collaboration, the acquisition of advanced platforms and precision-guided capabilities, as well as continued investment in personnel welfare and capacity development.
Air Marshal Aneke also paid glowing tribute to fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the nation, while expressing appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Honourable Ministers of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the government and people of Borno State for their steadfast support to the Nigerian Air Force and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The luncheon, which attracted senior military officers, government officials and other distinguished guests, served as both a morale-boosting event for troops and a strong reaffirmation of the NAF’s enduring commitment to restoring lasting peace, stability and hope across the North-East.
