The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has said the Nigerian Air Force would prioritise intelligence-driven operations to enhance mission effectiveness and national security outcomes.
Aneke stated this on Thursday during a Durbar with personnel of the Air Training Command and co-located units at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Kaduna.
He said the visit, his maiden operational tour of the Air Training Command, was both professionally and personally significant, describing Kaduna as central to the history of the Nigerian Air Force.
The CAS emphasised that the durbar was not a routine engagement but an avenue for direct interaction, exchange of views, and reaffirmation of shared responsibility to NAF values and mission.
He said upon assuming office as the 23rd Chief of Air Staff, he reviewed challenges affecting operational effectiveness and introduced a command philosophy focused on motivation and professionalism.
According to him, the philosophy aims to sustain a mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower in synergy with surface forces toward national security objectives.
Aneke explained that the philosophy serves as a working framework guiding decision-making, planning, training, and conduct across headquarters, commands, and units.
He commended officers, airmen, and airwomen of the Air Training Command and co-located units for professionalism and dedication to training, maintenance, logistics, and operational support.
The CAS said operational success depends on the quality of training and sustainment systems, stressing standardised training, mission-focused capability development, and innovation through emerging technologies and partnerships.
He said in spite progress recorded, the Air Force must not relent, noting that Nigeria’s security environment remains complex and demanding.
Aneke said banditry and other threats must be confronted with sustained pressure, operational discipline, and high readiness.
He charged commanders to maintain readiness of personnel, aircraft, and weapon systems, urging them to fight smartly, retain initiative, and deliver results.
The CAS said government has provided platforms and support, adding that effectiveness now depends on leadership, discipline, and proper execution.
He encouraged personnel to speak openly on challenges affecting their welfare and performance, assuring them of a structured and realistic approach to addressing such issues.
Aneke declared a policy of “Welfare for Enhanced Warfare,” linking motivation to alertness, discipline, and operational effectiveness.
He said the Headquarters would prioritise prompt payment of allowances, improved medical support for personnel and families, and provision of essential working tools.
The CAS said future operations would also emphasise a proactive safety culture and efficient resource utilisation across all duty areas.
He expressed confidence that the Nigerian Air Force would remain agile, capable, and respected in fulfilling its mandate to the nation.
The CAS also undertook a tour and inspection of units and facilities to obtain a first-hand assessment of operational needs and commissioned selected building projects aimed at enhancing training infrastructure and personnel welfare.(NAN)
