Massive Shake-Up Rocks Air Force As CAS Aneke Reassigns Top Commanders Nationwide

According to Ireporter Online, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has approved a major reshuffle in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), appointing new principal and command officers across several units and commands in a move described as strategic and reform-driven.

In a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the reorganization is aimed at strengthening operational efficiency, fostering synergy among commands, and aligning the force with the leadership’s new vision. The exercise, he noted, is part of ongoing efforts to enhance decision-making, command effectiveness, and mission readiness amid Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

Among those affected by the shake-up are Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Abubakar Abdullahi, now the Chief of Policy and Plans; AVM Adeniran Ademuwagun, who takes over as Commandant of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna; and AVM Ibitayo Ajiboye, appointed Group Managing Director of the Nigerian Air Force Investment Limited (NAFIL). AVM Precious Amadi becomes Chief of Operations, while AVM Nnamdi Ananaba assumes duty as Chief of Air Intelligence.

Other appointments include AVM Ebimobo Ebiowe as Superintendent of Standards and Evaluation; AVM Ahmed Dari as Chief of Training; and AVM Mohammed Ibrahim as Head of the Transformation and Innovation Branch. AVM Olufemi Ogunsina now serves as Chief of Aircraft Engineering, AVM Michael Onyebashi takes over as Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Mobility Command, while AVM David Pwajok becomes Chief of Communication and Information Systems, and AVM John Ukeh assumes the role of Air Provost Marshal.

In the administrative and welfare structures, AVM Simon Peter has been named Managing Director, NAFIL Housing and Construction Company; AVM Chidiebere Obiabaka becomes Air Secretary; AVM Anthony Martins is now Chief of Administration; AVM Abubakar Sule takes over as AOC, Logistics Command; and AVM Abdulrasheed Kotun has been appointed Managing Director of NAF Farms. Others include AVM Edward Gabkwet, who becomes Chief of Civil-Military Relations, and AVM Osichinaka Ubadike, who now serves as Deputy Commandant, AFIT.

Several other senior officers, including AVMs Ahmed Bakari, Albert Bot, Idi Sani, Muhammed Suleiman, Jibrin Usman, and Japheht Ekwuribe, have also been redeployed to key defence and inter-service establishments to strengthen joint operations and national security coordination.

Meanwhile, the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his recent appointment of new service chiefs, describing the selections as proof that the nation’s security architecture remains in capable hands.

Speaking during his valedictory pulling-out parade at the Mogadishu Cantonment in Abuja, General Musa expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, noting that he was leaving the Armed Forces with a clear conscience after nearly four decades of service.

Reflecting on his career, Musa described his 39 years and four months in uniform as a journey of honour, sacrifice, and loyalty to the Nigerian state. He urged members of the Armed Forces to remain steadfast, disciplined, and patriotic in safeguarding the nation, emphasizing that “Nigeria is a country worth fighting for.”

He further expressed confidence in his successor, General Olufemi Oluyede, assuring him of full support as he continues to strengthen the military. Musa also praised the courage and resilience of officers and men of the Armed Forces, whom he described as “the true heroes of Nigeria.”

In an emotional note, the retired defence chief paid tribute to his wife, Ogogolilia, and their children—Kuwait, Yashinbobai, and Indi—for their sacrifices and steadfast support throughout his career, describing them as “the unsung heroes” of his service life.

Musa concluded his farewell message with a call for continued unity and cooperation among all security agencies, stressing that collaboration and mutual trust remain essential for achieving lasting peace and national stability.