Like army, new air chief redeploys senior NAF officers

Kelvin Aneke, the chief of air staff, has redeployed several senior officers of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in a “strategic move aimed at enhancing operational efficiency”. 

Ehimen Ejodame, air commodore and NAF’s director of public relations and information, issued a statement to say the latest postings affect key appointments at the force headquarters, field commands, and operational units across the country.

The statement noted that the reshuffle is part of ongoing efforts to optimise command effectiveness, improve decision-making, and reinforce mission readiness in response to evolving security challenges.

Among the officers affected is Abubakar Abdullahi, air vice marshal (AVM), who has been appointed chief of policy and plans.

Adeniran Ademuwagun, AVM, will serve as commandant of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna, while Ibitayo Ajiboye, AVM, becomes group managing director of the Nigerian Air Force Investment Limited (NAFIL) group of companies.

Precious Amadi, AVM, is now chief of operations, and Nnamdi Ananaba, AVM, takes over as chief of air intelligence.

Ebimobo Ebiowe, AVM, has been appointed superintendent of standards and evaluation, while Ahmed Dari, AVM, assumes the role of chief of training.

The transformation and innovation branch will now be headed by Mohammed Ibrahim, AVM, “reflecting NAF’s increased focus on technology-driven operations”.

In the logistics and engineering directorates, Olufemi Ogunsina, AVM, has been named chief of aircraft engineering, while Michael Onyebashi, AVM, becomes air officer commanding (AOC), Mobility Command.

David Pwajok, AVM, has been appointed chief of communication and information systems, and John Ukeh, AVM, is now air provost marshal.

Simon Peter, AVM, takes over as managing director of NAFIL Housing and Construction Company, while Chidiebere Obiabaka, AVM, becomes air secretary.

Anthony Martins, AVM, will serve as chief of administration, and Abubakar Sule, AVM, has been appointed AOC, Logistics Command.

Abdulrasheed Kotun, AVM, will lead NAF Farms as managing director, while Edward Gabkwet, AVM, becomes chief of civil-military relations.

Osichinaka Ubadike, AVM, has been named deputy commandant of AFIT.

Other senior officers redeployed include AVMs Ahmed Bakari, Albert Bot, Idi Sani, Muhammed Suleiman, Jibrin Usman, and Japheht Ekwuribe, who have been posted to various defence and inter-service establishments.

The air force said the redeployment is a strategic measure to ensure balanced leadership, enhance institutional performance, and sustain transformation momentum under Aneke’s administration.

“With this new wave of appointments, the Nigerian Air Force is poised to consolidate its achievements and usher in an era of smarter, more adaptive air operations,” the statement reads.

“It is a force built not merely for power, but for purpose, protection, and progress.”

On Thursday, the Nigerian Army redeployed 60 major generals and 11 brigadier-generals in a major shake-up across formations and units.