The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has approved the promotion of 57 senior officers to the ranks of Air Vice Marshal (AVM) and Air Commodore, in a move aimed at strengthening the Service’s leadership capacity amid ongoing national security challenges.
The promotion list, released on Thursday, 27 November 2025, highlights the Air Force’s drive to build a more agile, highly skilled, and strategically responsive force.
According to the announcement, 27 Air Commodores were elevated to the rank of Air Vice Marshal. They are: SA Eyoma, GI Jibia, AA Adebomehin, ES Odekina, CE Akubue, SO Eyekosi, AO Akinbuwa, LI Kamat, AG Akinyimika, AO Bamidele, AK Famuyiwa, PJ Edem, SA Madaki, OT Salami, FO Ankeli, MJ Chidama, JJ Ijudigal, M Umar, IJ Ogbodo, U Ariahu, AL Dakwat, CE Akpa, EC Ukpong, IS Subi, IM Yusha’u, SS Lazarus and F Ekpah.
Thirty senior officers were also promoted to the rank of Air Commodore. They include Group Captains MA Imam, AA Komolafe, HI Eze, DU Edet, MB Umar, GH Okoh, SP Sekegor, PP Okonkwo, PU Okweugo, AU Yahaya, M Yahaya, IR Ubeh, OK Cole, EA Ifebi, RK Olundu, IO Akpasa, AK Mohammed, HA Meshack, SN Nwachi, ZB Shuwa, EJ Alabila, SA Osoniyi, AO Ogunmola, AJ Arumona, BI Jayeoba, CE Akuh, NN Onuoha-Mba, PA Garba, YM Abdullahi and M Suleiman.
NAF leadership described the 2025 promotion cycle as a deliberate effort to reinforce high-command capability, deepen operational expertise and enhance the strategic backbone of the Service. The officers were selected after rigorous assessments based on merit, competence, operational experience and alignment with the strategic goals of the Nigerian Air Force.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, said the elevations reflect the officers’ dedication to national defence and their distinguished service records. He noted that the promotions come at a time when Nigeria faces a complex mix of security threats — including terrorism, banditry, cross-border crimes and emerging asymmetric challenges — which demand sharper decision-making and stronger leadership command structures.
“This elevation is not just recognition, it is responsibility,” Air Marshal Aneke said. “Nigeria needs leaders who can think clearly under pressure, act with precision, and inspire the personnel they lead. The nation is counting on you, and you must not fail.”
He urged the newly promoted officers to uphold integrity, discipline and operational excellence, while strengthening inter-service cooperation, intelligence exploitation and mentorship of younger personnel.
The CAS reaffirmed NAF’s commitment to ongoing reforms aimed at building a smarter, technology-driven Air Force capable of delivering decisive airpower across all theatres of operation.
The Nigerian Air Force congratulated all the newly promoted officers, expressing confidence that they will justify the trust placed in them through exemplary leadership and continued dedication to safeguarding the nation.
