The newly appointed Chief of Air Staff (CAS), AVM Sunday Aneke, has reaffirmed his determination to strengthen the Nigerian Air Force’s role in improving the country’s security landscape.
Aneke made the commitment on Thursday in Abuja, shortly after taking over command as the 23rd Chief of the Air Staff from his predecessor, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar.
In his inaugural speech, Aneke described his appointment as a call to national service and expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for the trust placed in him.
He pledged unwavering loyalty to the President and vowed to prioritise the welfare of officers, airmen, and airwomen under his command.
“My appointment as the twenty-third Chief of the Air Staff is both an honour and a humbling experience.
“I wish to sincerely thank the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for granting me the opportunity to serve my country.
“I also reaffirm my loyalty—and that of all Nigerian Air Force personnel—to the government and the people of Nigeria in line with our constitutional duties,” he said.
The new Air Chief promised to consolidate and expand on the gains recorded by his predecessor, especially in the fight against insurgency and other internal security challenges.
He assured that the Nigerian Air Force would continue to collaborate with other military and security agencies to boost national security efforts.
“Together, we will intensify our efforts to fulfil our constitutional mandate alongside sister services, intelligence agencies, and law enforcement bodies to bring about a safer and more secure Nigeria,” he added.
Aneke further pledged to make personnel welfare a key focus of his leadership, stressing that a well-motivated force is essential to operational excellence.
He also appealed to the National Assembly for continued legislative support to ensure the success of ongoing operations.
In his farewell remarks, former CAS Air Marshal Abubakar said it was an honour to have served, noting that the Air Force had achieved notable success in counter-terrorism and internal security during his tenure.
He urged Aneke to maintain focus on national security, ensure a combat-ready force, and prioritise personnel welfare.
President Bola Tinubu had on Oct. 24 appointed AVM Sunday Aneke as the 23rd Chief of the Air Staff, alongside other newly designated service chiefs, marking a new chapter in the nation’s security leadership.