The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s resolve to deepen operational efficiency and personnel development through enhanced training and stronger collaboration with state governments.
The CAS gave the assurance during a two-day operational visit from 5 February 2026 to the Nigerian Air Force Ground Training Command (GTC) and other NAF units in Enugu State.
The visit, according to Air Force authorities, was aimed at assessing training facilities, engaging key stakeholders, and consolidating civil-military cooperation in line with the NAF’s mandate to safeguard Nigeria’s airspace and support internal security operations.
A major highlight of the programme was a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, at the Government House, Enugu.
During the meeting, Air Marshal Aneke commended the Enugu State Government for its consistent support to NAF formations in the state, particularly in the areas of infrastructure development, accommodation and essential utilities.
He described the partnership between the Nigerian Air Force and the state government as strategic to the overall success of national security efforts.
“Ground training is the backbone of airpower. The ability of our aircraft to deliver results in any theatre depends largely on the quality of training and welfare of our technical and support personnel. I sincerely appreciate the Enugu State Government for its continued assistance to the Nigerian Air Force,” the CAS stated.
Air Marshal Aneke explained that the NAF was pursuing programmes designed to improve personnel welfare beyond active service, including resettlement housing schemes and agro-allied initiatives.
He noted that such projects would not only improve the quality of life of personnel but also contribute to economic growth within host communities.
The CAS further assured that the Nigerian Air Force would sustain intelligence-driven collaboration with other security agencies to ensure lasting peace and stability in Enugu State and the South-East geopolitical zone.
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In his response, Governor Mbah reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Air Force in the discharge of its constitutional duties.
He pledged to continue working closely with the Service, confirming the state’s readiness to provide land for resettlement housing for NAF personnel as well as for agricultural projects under NAF Farms.
The governor emphasized that security remains a key priority of his administration, adding that the presence and professionalism of Air Force personnel have greatly contributed to the relative peace enjoyed in the state.
At the Ground Training Command headquarters, the CAS received a detailed operational brief from the Air Officer Commanding GTC, Air Vice Marshal AG Kehinde.
The briefing focused on ongoing reforms in training curriculum, infrastructure upgrades and initiatives aimed at enhancing technical competence among airmen and airwomen.
Air Vice Marshal Kehinde highlighted the Command’s role as a critical hub for producing the manpower that sustains NAF operations nationwide.
After the briefing, Air Marshal Aneke toured training facilities and inspected key operational assets within the Command and other located units.
He expressed satisfaction with the level of progress recorded and commended the leadership of the Command for maintaining high professional standards.
The CAS stressed that modern air operations require a highly skilled and disciplined workforce, adding that investment in ground training remains fundamental to the NAF’s operational success.
“Our objective is to build a professional Air Force that is agile, technologically driven and fully prepared to meet current and emerging security challenges. Training is at the heart of this vision,” he said.
He assured personnel of continued support from Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, noting that the Service would sustain efforts to improve infrastructure, welfare and instructional facilities across all training institutions.
The visit to Enugu forms part of the CAS’s nationwide tour of NAF formations and commands aimed at strengthening institutional capacity, improving morale and reinforcing partnerships critical to national security.
