By Reportcircle Abuja
In a sweeping command overhaul aimed at sharpening Nigeria’s defence posture, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has promoted 57 senior officers to the ranks of Air Vice Marshal and Air Commodore, a strategic elevation that strengthens the Service’s leadership corps at a time of mounting security pressures across the country.
Announced on Thursday, 27 November 2025, the promotions are widely seen as one of the Air Council’s most assertive moves in recent years, designed to infuse fresh energy, decision-making precision, and high-command resilience into the force as it grapples with terrorism, banditry, cross-border crime, and other asymmetric threats.
A total of 27 seasoned officers ascended to the rank of Air Vice Marshal, including 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.
Another 30 officers rose to the rank of Air Commodore, forming the next layer of strategic leadership.
They include 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.
According to NAF, the promotions were the result of a rigorous review process anchored on merit, operational field experience, professional excellence, loyalty, and the officers’ alignment with the long-term strategic objectives of the Air Force.
Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the elevation of the officers as a reinforcement of NAF’s command structure at a moment when Nigeria’s defence landscape is becoming increasingly unpredictable.
“This elevation is not just recognition, it is responsibility,” Aneke declared in a firm charge to the newly promoted officers. “The nation needs leaders who think clearly under pressure, act with precision, and inspire the men and women behind them. Nigeria is counting on you, and you must not fail.”
He stressed that the promotions were not routine but deeply strategic, designed to strengthen high-level decision-making, improve coordination across multiple theatres, and ensure the Air Force remains fast, flexible, and technologically adaptive.
The CAS further urged the newly promoted commanders to uphold discipline, deepen collaboration with sister services, strengthen intelligence-led operations, and mentor junior officers with professionalism and patriotism.
Reaffirming NAF’s ongoing transformation programme, Aneke reiterated the Service’s commitment to building a smarter, more innovative and technology-driven airpower institution capable of delivering decisive results whenever national security demands it.
With the elevation of these 57 senior officers, defence analysts say the Air Force has signalled its intention to tighten strategic command, accelerate operational effectiveness and prepare for a new phase of security engagement across Nigeria’s troubled regions.
