NAF reshuffles top command to boost operational efficiency

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced a major redeployment of senior officers as part of efforts to strengthen operational efficiency and align with the leadership vision of the newly appointed Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke.

The strategic reshuffle, approved by the CAS, affects key appointments at Headquarters NAF, field commands, and operational units. According to Air Marshal Aneke, the redeployment is designed to optimise command effectiveness, improve decision-making, and enhance mission readiness in response to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

Under the new postings, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Abubakar Abdullahi becomes Chief of Policy and Plans, while AVM Adeniran Ademuwagun assumes duty as Commandant, Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna. AVM Ibitayo Ajiboye has been appointed Group Managing Director, Nigerian Air Force Investment Limited (NAFIL) Group of Companies, and AVM Precious Amadi now serves as Chief of Operations.

Other key appointments include AVM Nnamdi Ananaba as Chief of Air Intelligence, AVM Ebimobo Ebiowe as Superintendent of Standards and Evaluation, and AVM Ahmed Dari as Chief of Training. The Transformation and Innovation Branch will now be headed by AVM Mohammed Ibrahim, reflecting the Service’s commitment to advancing technology and operational innovation.

In the logistics and engineering departments, AVM Olufemi Ogunsina has been appointed Chief of Aircraft Engineering, while AVM Michael Onyebashi becomes Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Mobility Command. AVM David Pwajok is now Chief of Communication and Information Systems, and AVM John Ukeh assumes the role of Air Provost Marshal.

Further appointments include AVM Simon Peter as Managing Director, NAFIL Housing and Construction Company; AVM Chidiebere Obiabaka as Air Secretary; AVM Anthony Martins as Chief of Administration; AVM Abubakar Sule as AOC, Logistics Command; and AVM Abdulrasheed Kotun as Managing Director, NAF Farms. The new Chief of Civil-Military Relations is AVM Edward Gabkwet, while AVM Osichinaka Ubadike becomes Deputy Commandant, AFIT.

Other senior officers, including AVMs Ahmed Bakari, Albert Bot, Idi Sani, Muhammed Suleiman, Jibrin Usman, and Japheht Ekwuribe, have been redeployed to various defence and inter-service institutions to enhance joint operations and national security coordination.

The NAF described the reshuffle as a strategic step towards reinforcing leadership balance, strengthening institutional performance, and sustaining the ongoing transformation agenda under Air Marshal Aneke.

According to the statement signed by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, “With these appointments, the Nigerian Air Force is set to consolidate its achievements and usher in a new era of smarter, more adaptive air operations, one that reflects the CAS’s vision of a force built not merely for power, but for purpose, protection, and progress.”