Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has boosted its top leadership ranks with the promotion of 57 senior officers, a move the Air Council said is key to sharpening the service’s response to the nation’s evolving security challenges.
The announcement was made in Abuja by the NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
Air Commodore Ejodame explained that 27 officers have been elevated to the prestigious rank of Air Vice Marshal, while 30 others now wear the Air Commodore badge.
Ejodame noted that the promotions were driven by the service’s push to strengthen high-level command capacity, deepen operational expertise and advance its transformation into a more agile, technology-powered force.
Among those promoted to Air Vice Marshal 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 and FO Ankeli.
Others include 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.
Those promoted to Air Commodore 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 and IO Akpasa.
Also on the list are 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.
Reacting to the development, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, described the promotions as a reward for “professional excellence, operational competence and loyalty to the service.” He stressed that the officers were stepping into greater responsibilities at a time when Nigeria faces some of its most complex security threats.
“This elevation is not just recognition, it is responsibility,” Aneke said.
“The nation needs leaders who think clearly under pressure, act with precision, and inspire the men and women behind them as a unified force. Nigeria is counting on you, and you must not fail.”
He urged the newly promoted officers to uphold integrity and discipline, strengthen joint operations and intelligence exploitation, and mentor the next generation of air personnel.
Aneke reaffirmed that the NAF remains committed to ongoing reforms designed to deliver a smarter, sharper and more decisive airpower capability across all operational theatres.
