NAF repositioning to tackle emerging security threats, says Aneke

Sunday Kelvin Aneke, chief of the air staff, has urged newly graduated regiment personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to remain vigilant and dedicated to defending the nation as the service strengthens its capacity to confront emerging security challenges.

He spoke at the combined graduation ceremony of the basic regiment officers course 20/2025 and basic regiment airmen/airwomen course 33/2025 at the Regiment Training Centre (RTC) in Kaduna state.

Aneke said Nigeria’s evolving security landscape demands heightened alertness and professionalism from all personnel.

Represented by Ahmed Dari, air officer commanding, air training command, Aneke said the force remains resolute in its mission to combat insurgency, banditry, and other internal security threats through enhanced operational readiness and continuous capacity building.

He said the service is “revitalising capabilities, developing new ones, and adapting processes to meet emerging security demands”, adding that the modern battlespace has become “increasingly complex and unpredictable”.

The air chief reaffirmed his commitment to repositioning the force as a combat-ready and adaptive institution capable of responding swiftly to new forms of warfare driven by militancy and terrorism.

“A sustainable and functional air force must be built on disciplined personnel who possess not only technical competence but also the moral strength to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty,” he said.

Aneke praised the commandant, staff, and instructors of the RTC for their dedication to nurturing the next generation of defenders of the nation’s airspace and assured them of continued support for the training programmes.

He commended the new graduates for their resilience and discipline throughout the training, which included specialised force protection in complex air-ground environment exercises.

“Protect all Nigerians and avoid any act that could tarnish the image of our great service,” Aneke said.

A total of 483 personnel, including 34 officers and 449 airmen and airwomen, completed the training.

On Friday, Aneke redeployed several senior officers of the air force in what the NAF described as a “strategic move aimed at enhancing operational efficiency”.