Nigerian Air Force promotes 57 senior Officers to boost leadership amid security pressures

The Nigerian Air Force on Thursday announced the promotion of 57 senior officers to top command ranks as part of efforts to strengthen its leadership structure in the face of evolving national security threats.

In a statement issued on 27 November 2025, the Air Council confirmed the elevation of 27 officers to the rank of Air Vice Marshal and 30 others to Air Commodore. The development, according to the military, reflects a deliberate push to reinforce operational command and deepen strategic capacity across the Service.

Those promoted to Air Vice Marshal include Air Commodores 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 officers, including Group Captains MA Imam, AA Komolafe, HI Eze, DU Edet, MB Umar, GH Okoh and SP Sekegor, among others, were elevated to Air Commodore.

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the promotions as a recognition of merit, competence and service loyalty, noting that the new appointees had demonstrated the operational and strategic qualities needed in the current security climate.

He highlighted that Nigeria is dealing with increasingly complex threats from terrorism and banditry to cross-border and asymmetric crimes which require decisive leadership and faster operational responses.

“This elevation is not just recognition, it is responsibility,” Aneke said, urging the officers to uphold discipline, strengthen collaboration with other security agencies and provide mentorship within the ranks. He emphasized the need for clear thinking under pressure and operational precision across all air operations.

The Air Force said the promotion cycle aligns with its ongoing reforms aimed at building a more agile, technology-driven and intelligence-led force capable of delivering effective airpower when required.

The Service congratulated the newly promoted officers, expressing confidence in their ability to meet the demands of their expanded roles and contribute to national defence efforts.

Signed:
Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force
27 November 2025