Air Chief Charges Commanders To Sustain Fight Against Bandits

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has charged commanders of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to sustain pressure on bandits and other criminal elements, urging them to fight “smart,” retain the initiative, and deliver decisive results.

Aneke gave the charge on Thursday during his maiden visit to NAF formations at the Air Force Base, Kaduna, where he addressed officers, airmen, and airwomen.

Describing the engagement as more than a routine visit, the Air Chief said it provided an opportunity for direct interaction, exchange of views, and reaffirmation of shared responsibilities to the mission and values of the Nigerian Air Force.

Upon assuming office as the 23rd Chief of Air Staff, Aneke said he conducted a review of challenges affecting operational effectiveness and articulated a command philosophy focused on building a highly motivated, professional, and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive air power in synergy with surface forces.

“My plan is to ensure that your morale is high all the time,” he said. “A highly motivated force delivers faster and better results. Welfare is critical, and I take it seriously.”

He emphasized the importance of joint operations and cooperation with other arms of the armed forces and security agencies, noting that his philosophy was not a slogan but a working framework that must guide decision-making, planning, training, and operations at all levels.

Aneke commended personnel at the Headquarters, Air Training Command, and other co-located units for their professionalism, stressing that every role in the service chain — from cleaners and engineers to pilots — was essential to mission success.

“You are as strong as your weakest link. Everyone is important, and we must win together,” he said.

Highlighting the strategic role of the Air Training Command, the CAS described it as the foundation of the Air Force, stressing that standardised training, procedures, and processes were critical to operational success.

He warned that Nigeria’s security environment remained complex and unforgiving, adding that banditry and other threats must be confronted with sustained pressure and discipline.

“We must fight smart — using the least effort to achieve maximum results,” Aneke said. “We must retain the initiative and dictate how the game is played.”

The Air Chief also reiterated his commitment to enhanced welfare, including prompt payment of allowances, improved medical support for personnel and their families, and provision of essential tools for duty.

In return, he demanded renewed commitment, professionalism, discipline, and dedication from personnel, noting that intelligence-driven operations, proactive safety culture, and efficient use of resources would remain central to his leadership focus.

“Whether you serve in the cockpit, on the flight line, in training institutions, medical facilities, or administrative roles, you are critical stakeholders in mission success,” he said.