In line with the Headquarters Nigerian Air Force (NAF) redeployment of senior officers aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Esen Paul Efanga has formally assumed office as the 11th Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Air Training Command (ATC).
The development aligns with the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke’s Command Philosophy of building a highly motivated, professional, and mission-ready Air Force.
The formal handover ceremony took place on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, at the ATC Headquarters in Kaduna. The colourful event attracted senior officers, airmen, airwomen, and civilian staff of the Command, underscoring the significance of leadership continuity within the Nigerian Air Force.
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Highlights of the ceremony included the traditional handing and taking over of the Command flag and the signing of handover notes between the outgoing and incoming AOCs, symbolising the official transfer of authority and responsibility. The ceremony reinforced the central role of training as the backbone of operational readiness, discipline, and airpower effectiveness.
In his maiden address, AVM Efanga expressed deep appreciation to the CAS for the confidence reposed in him, while commending his predecessor for the exemplary leadership and solid foundation laid during his tenure. He pledged to sustain and further enhance training standards through innovation and realism, with a focus on preparing NAF personnel to effectively meet the demands of ongoing counter-insurgency, counter-banditry, and counter-terrorism operations across all theatres of operation.
AVM Efanga emphasised that a robust and adaptive training architecture remains critical to achieving superior operational outcomes and assured personnel of his commitment to professionalism, capacity development, and mission-focused training.
In his farewell remarks, the outgoing AOC, AVM Ahmed Yusuf Dari, thanked officers, airmen, airwomen, and civilian staff of the Command for their professionalism, loyalty, and unwavering support throughout his tenure. He expressed confidence in the leadership of his successor and pledged to continue contributing to the advancement of training frameworks that directly support operational effectiveness and mission success in his new appointment as Chief of Training at Headquarters Nigerian Air Force.
The ceremony marked another important milestone in the Nigerian Air Force’s continuous efforts to strengthen leadership, training, and operational preparedness.
