The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recorded more than 6,100 flying hours and 2,900 operational sorties between November 2025 and September 2026, as Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, approaches his first anniversary in office on October 30.
The operational milestones formed part of the Service's achievements in operational effectiveness, personnel welfare, fleet modernisation, training and infrastructure development under Aneke's leadership.
According to a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the flying hours and sorties consumed nearly 10 million litres of Jet A-1 fuel in support of national security operations.
The missions included precision air strikes, armed reconnaissance, surveillance and close air support, aimed at degrading hostile elements, disrupting their activities and supporting ground troops.
On personnel welfare, the NAF said it had improved allowances, medical support, accommodation and welfare airlift services for personnel deployed in frontline operational theatres.
The Service also recorded significant career and professional development milestones, with 57 senior officers promoted to Air Vice Marshal and Air Commodore, while 1,534 senior non-commissioned officers and 1,936 non-commissioned officers advanced in rank.
Additionally, more than 550 personnel participated in international training and professional engagements, while over 6,000 received local training.
On fleet modernisation, the Air Force received five additional helicopters in September 2026, comprising three AW-109 Trekker Type B and two H125 helicopters.
The Service is also pursuing the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters and other aircraft and unmanned aerial systems to strengthen its combat, airlift, surveillance and intelligence capabilities.
Maintenance efforts include the reactivation and upgrade of six L-39ZA aircraft in Slovakia and Nigeria, as well as ongoing periodic depot maintenance of a C-130 aircraft in Portugal.
In infrastructure development, the NAF approved 284 projects, with 145 completed and 139 ongoing. The projects cover accommodation, medical and educational facilities, operational infrastructure, roads, electricity and water supply.
The Service also highlighted indigenous production initiatives, including Aircraft Release Device 863 impulse release cartridges, a 250-kilogram bomb-loading trolley and locally produced 57-millimetre rockets undergoing development and ground testing.
Other initiatives include the establishment of an Operational and Safety Audit Committee, improved civilian harm mitigation structures and plans to establish an Open-Source Intelligence Centre.
As Aneke marks one year in office, the Air Force said it remains committed to strengthening operational readiness, joint military operations, technological advancement and responsible airpower employment to address Nigeria's security challenges.
The NAF said its transformation agenda remains anchored on stronger airpower, safer skies and a more secure Nigeria.
