Aneke Takes Over As 23rd Chief Of Air Staff

Air Vice Marshal Sunday Aneke, on Thursday, assumed office as the 23rd Chief of Air Staff (CAS).

During a handing and taking-over ceremony, Aneke described his appointment as “a tremendous privilege and a solemn duty,” promising to lead with humility, integrity, and a firm commitment to national security.

He thanked President Bola Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility to steer the Air Force’s operations and strategic direction.

According to him, “I reaffirmed the unflinching loyalty of the Nigerian Air Force to the President, the Constitution, and the Nigerian people, assuring that under my leadership, the NAF would remain Willing, Able, and Ready to safeguard the nation’s airspace, strengthen inter-service synergy, and deliver the security architecture vital to Nigeria’s peace, progress, and transformation.”

Aneke acknowledged the National Assembly for its legislative and oversight contributions, noting that such has helped strengthen institutional reforms and enhance operational accountability within the Force.

He also extended appreciation to officers and personnel across the Armed Forces for their solidarity, stating that their collective dedication motivates his resolve to deepen airpower efficiency and operational excellence.

The new Air Chief pledged to build on the legacies of his predecessor by reinforcing discipline, and maintaining a mission-driven approach to national defence and security.

Aneke paid tribute to his predecessor for steering the Nigerian Air Force through challenging security phases with professionalism and courage, particularly in counterterrorism operations.

In his valedictory remarks, the outgoing Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve the nation, describing his tenure as a defining chapter in NAF’s history.

Abubakar, while transferring the leadership mantle to Aneke, described him as an officer of proven integrity, competence, and commitment to build on existing gains and drive institutional advancement.

He urged the new CAS to sustain reforms that promote combat readiness, prioritise personnel welfare, and ensure the Air Force remains people-focused and operationally effective in addressing evolving security challenges.