NAF Logs 6,100 Flying Hours, 2,900 Sorties as Aneke Marks First Year in Office
Air Force records operational gains, promotes thousands of personnel, receives five helicopters and advances aircraft modernisation programme
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recorded more than 6,100 flying hours and 2,900 operational sorties between November 2025 and September 2026, as the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, approaches his first anniversary in office.
The milestones, announced in a press release issued on Sunday, October 25, 2026, by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, reflect the Service’s ongoing efforts to strengthen operational effectiveness, personnel welfare, fleet modernisation and institutional capacity.
According to the statement, the operations consumed close to 10 million litres of Jet A-1 fuel and involved precision air strikes, armed reconnaissance, surveillance, close air support and other missions aimed at degrading hostile elements, restricting their freedom of action and supporting ground forces.
The NAF attributed its operational approach to intelligence-led mission planning, with sorties guided by actionable intelligence, clearly defined objectives and assessments of mission outcomes.
Air Marshal Aneke’s leadership philosophy centres on sustaining a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower in synergy with surface forces.
Welfare, Promotions and Professional Development
Personnel welfare has remained a major component of the CAS’s agenda under the principle of “Welfare for Enhanced Warfare.”
The Service said it had pursued improvements in personnel allowances, medical support, accommodation and other essential infrastructure to enhance the living and working conditions of officers, airmen and airwomen across its formations.
The reactivation of welfare airlift services for personnel deployed in frontline operational theatres has also been undertaken to improve morale and support the wellbeing of personnel and their families.
In the area of career progression, 57 senior officers were promoted to the ranks of Air Vice Marshal and Air Commodore. Additionally, 1,534 senior non-commissioned officers and 1,936 non-commissioned officers advanced to higher ranks.
The NAF also reported that more than 550 personnel participated in international training and professional engagements, while over 6,000 underwent local training to strengthen their technical expertise, specialised competencies and leadership capacity.
Five New Helicopters, Major Aircraft Acquisitions
On fleet modernisation, the Air Force disclosed that it received five additional helicopters in September 2026, comprising three AW-109 Trekker Type B helicopters and two H125 helicopters.
The deliveries are expected to expand the Service’s operational flexibility and support capacity.
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Beyond the new helicopters, the NAF is pursuing a broader acquisition programme that includes 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters and other planned aircraft and unmanned aerial systems to strengthen its combat, airlift, training, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
Aircraft maintenance and fleet regeneration have also featured prominently in the modernisation drive.
According to the statement, six L-39ZA aircraft have undergone reactivation and upgrades in Slovakia and Nigeria, while the Periodic Depot Maintenance of a C-130 aircraft is ongoing in Portugal.
The Service said these efforts were being complemented by investments in technical support, indigenous upgrades and emerging aviation technologies.
Stronger Safety Oversight and Operational Accountability
The NAF also highlighted measures to strengthen flight safety, operational accountability and the responsible employment of airpower.
The establishment of an Operational and Safety Audit Committee is intended to facilitate independent assessments of operational, engineering and armament units.
A strengthened Safety Management System is also being implemented to promote proactive risk management, leadership engagement and data-driven safety practices.
In addition, the Service is advancing Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response through dedicated structures, standardised training and improved assessment and investigation capabilities.
Plans to establish an Open-Source Intelligence Centre are also underway to improve situational awareness and operational planning through more effective exploitation of available information and emerging technologies.
284 Infrastructure Projects Approved
On infrastructure development, the Air Force disclosed that 284 projects had been approved, with 145 completed and 139 still ongoing.
The projects cover residential accommodation, academic and medical facilities, administrative and operational infrastructure, roads, electricity, water supply and recreational facilities.
The NAF said the investments were designed to improve personnel welfare while strengthening its institutional and operational capacity.
The Service is also pursuing indigenous production initiatives to reduce dependence on external sources for selected military equipment and support systems.
These initiatives include the local production of Aircraft Release Device 863 impulse release cartridges, a 250-kilogram bomb-loading trolley and the development and ground testing of locally produced 57-millimetre rockets.
Community-focused healthcare, educational and other special projects have equally continued as part of efforts to strengthen civil-military relations and public confidence.
Focus on Sustaining Operational Gains
As Air Marshal Aneke approaches his first anniversary on October 30, the NAF said its priority remained translating investments in personnel, aircraft, training, technology and infrastructure into tangible operational results.
The Service emphasised the importance of stronger joint operations, strategic partnerships, improved aircraft maintenance, professional development and the responsible employment of airpower in addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
It added that the objective was not merely to expand operational capabilities but to sustain a professional, accountable and responsive force capable of meeting emerging threats.
The Air Force reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening national security through improved airpower capabilities, concluding that its enduring mission remained to deliver stronger airpower, safer skies and a more secure Nigeria.
