Newly confirmed Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has vowed to transform the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) into a highly disciplined, adaptive, and lethal force capable of keeping terrorists and insurgents “constantly on the run.”

Speaking during his confirmation by the National Assembly on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, Aneke said his goal is to ensure that “those who threaten Nigeria’s peace will never have the time to plan or execute attacks.”

“I use the word lethal in a professional sense,” he explained. “A man running from you will not have the time to plan to hurt you.”

According to a statement by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of NAF Public Relations and Information, the new Air Chief outlined a leadership vision built on training, technology, safety, and strategic innovation.

He said true military strength lies not in brute force, but in superior intellect, precision, and adaptability.

Aneke pledged to build an Air Force that “responds swiftly, strikes precisely, and operates intelligently across all spectrums of military operations — a force defined not just by strength, but by professionalism and purpose.”

His confirmation, which followed his nomination by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in line with Section 18 (1) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, makes him the legal successor to Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar and a member of the Armed Forces Council.

Lawmakers praised AVM Aneke’s depth of operational experience and strategic leadership, citing his tenure as Air Officer Commanding, Mobility Command, where he enhanced airlift capabilities, strengthened joint operations, and boosted the NAF’s responsiveness in complex security operations.

His leadership in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) was also commended for its role in shaping Nigeria’s counter-insurgency efforts.

Beyond his individual achievements, the confirmation underscored both constitutional and strategic significance, reinforcing civilian oversight of the military and reflecting continuity in the modernization of the Nigerian Air Force.

Aneke, a graduate of the United States Air War College, Montgomery, Alabama, holds multiple advanced degrees in Strategic Studies, International Affairs and Diplomacy, and Political Economy and Development Studies. With over 4,300 flight hours across various aircraft types, he is regarded as one of Nigeria’s most experienced and forward-looking airpower professionals.

The confirmation ceremony was attended by dignitaries including Minister of Defence, Dr. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, and Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, Senator Basheer Lado.

As he takes command, Aneke pledged that under his leadership, the Nigerian Air Force will be “swift in action, precise in strikes, and intelligent in execution — a force built not just for power, but for purpose, protection, and progress.”