By: Tunji Okunlola
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has outlined the achievements of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, as he marks one year in office, citing progress in operations, aircraft acquisition, personnel training, safety and infrastructure.
The summary was released as an infographic under the theme “Airpower for a Safer, Stronger Nigeria” and the pillars “Stronger Airpower, Safer Skies, A More Secure Nigeria.”
Command philosophy
According to the graphic, Aneke’s guiding aim is to build and sustain a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower in synergy with surface forces to achieve national security objectives. It lists six key drivers: personnel welfare, standardised mission-focused training, predictive maintenance and timely logistics, modernisation of the NAF order of battle, intelligence-driven operations built on advanced technology, and innovation and partnerships.
Operational impact
Between November 2025 and September 2026, the NAF says it recorded more than 6,100 flying hours and over 2,900 sorties, consuming close to 10 million litres of Jet A1 fuel. The missions included precision air strikes, armed reconnaissance, surveillance and close air support. The NAF says these efforts degraded hostile elements, disrupted their freedom of action and improved the effectiveness of surface forces.
Force modernisation
Five new helicopters were delivered in September 2026: three AW-109 Trekker B, meant to strengthen intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, close air support, armed escort and combat search and rescue, and two H-125 helicopters, meant to increase asset availability and give commanders more flexibility across theatres.
The NAF also listed aircraft it expects to receive:
- 24 M-346 fighter/ground-attack aircraft
- 6 T-129 attack helicopters
- 7 additional AW109 Trekker helicopters
- 3 CASA C-295 medium airlifters
- 2 AH-1Z attack helicopters
- 1 H-225 multi-role helicopter
- 2 Aksungur unmanned combat aerial vehicles
- 2 CH-4D UAVs
On existing platforms, it listed the reactivation and avionics upgrade of six L-39ZA aircraft (three in Slovakia, two of them due in October 2026, and three in Kano), programmed depot maintenance on a C-130 in Portugal, and reactivation of an ATR aircraft in Abuja. It also cited the acquisition of unmanned aerial vehicles and an indigenous upgrade of UAV operating technologies.
People and training
Over 550 personnel took part in international training and professional engagements and over 6,000 in local training between November 2025 and August 2026. The NAF says this has improved specialised skills, technical proficiency, leadership capacity and operational readiness.
Safety and accountability
The NAF cited an Operational and Safety Audit Committee, a Safety Management System and Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response structures, with dedicated training and investigation capabilities.
Infrastructure and welfare
The NAF approved 284 infrastructure projects, of which 145 are complete and 139 ongoing. They cover residential accommodation, academic and medical facilities, administrative and operational infrastructure, roads, power and water supply, and recreational facilities. Other welfare measures include reviving welfare airlifts for frontline personnel and improving morale and family well-being.
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