The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has called for a whole-of-society approach to tackling insecurity in Nigeria’s South-East, stressing that sustainable peace can only be achieved through stronger collaboration among governments, security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders and citizens.
Speaking at the South-East Regional Security Summit 2026 held on Thursday in Umuahia, Abia State, the Air Chief reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) commitment to sustaining peace and security across the region while supporting ongoing joint military operations.
The summit, themed “Collaborative Approaches to Strengthening Security and Regional Stability,” was convened by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, while the keynote address was delivered by former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika (Rtd).
Air Marshal Aneke described the summit as a reflection of the collective determination of stakeholders to restore lasting peace, stability and economic prosperity to the South-East. He commended the South-East Governors’ Forum and other stakeholders for supporting the initiative, noting that despite recent security challenges, the region remains Nigeria’s historic industrial and commercial hub.
“The Nigerian Air Force, along with its sister services and other security agencies, stands firmly with you in fighting insecurity. We are dedicated to ensuring that criminal elements no longer take the peace and economy of this region for granted,” the CAS said.
Highlighting ongoing military operations, Air Marshal Aneke disclosed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria had intensified joint operations across the South-East, with the NAF providing Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), precision air interdictions and close air support to ground troops. According to him, the coordinated operations have significantly degraded the mobility and operational capacity of criminal elements while creating a safer environment for communities and businesses.
However, the Air Chief maintained that military operations alone could not guarantee lasting peace.
“Bombs and bullets do not address the root causes of insecurity. While military operations are necessary to create a secure environment, true and enduring peace requires a whole-of-society approach,” he said.
He urged governments at all levels, traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups and socio-cultural organisations to intensify community engagement, mentor young people and create opportunities that would discourage vulnerable youths from embracing violence.
The CAS also appealed to residents to support security agencies by providing timely and actionable intelligence, encouraging them to embrace the “If you see something, say something” principle.
Reaffirming the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to strengthening civil-military relations, Air Marshal Aneke said the Service would continue to undertake medical outreaches and other community support programmes aimed at building trust with local communities
“We are not an occupying force; we are your sons, daughters, brothers and sisters, dedicated to protecting the territorial integrity of our homeland,” he said.
Expressing optimism about the outcome of the summit, the CAS said he was confident that stakeholders would develop practical strategies to consolidate peace, promote economic growth and preserve the South-East’s status as a centre of commerce, innovation and enterprise.
He pledged that the Nigerian Air Force would remain vigilant and committed to restoring peace and security across the South-East and the country as a whole.
