New Air Chief Redeploys Senior Officers

Strategic Overhaul in the Nigerian Air Force: New Air Chief Redeploys Senior Officers

In a sweeping move aimed at revitalizing the operational structure of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), the newly appointed Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has initiated a major redeployment of senior officers across the force.

This strategic reshuffle, announced on October 31, 2025, is designed to enhance command effectiveness, improve decision-making, and align the service’s leadership with the evolving security landscape and the new Chief’s vision.

The redeployment affects key positions at the NAF Headquarters, field commands, and operational units nationwide. Among the most notable appointments is Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Abdullahi, who now serves as Chief of Policy and Plans. His role will be pivotal in shaping the strategic direction of the Air Force under the new leadership. Air Vice Marshal Adeniran Ademuwagun has been named Commandant of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in Kaduna, a critical institution for training and innovation.

Further reinforcing the Air Force’s corporate and investment arm, Air Vice Marshal Ibitayo Ajiboye has been appointed Group Managing Director of the Nigerian Air Force Investment Limited (NAFIL). Meanwhile, Air Vice Marshal Precious Amadi takes over as Chief of Operations, a role central to coordinating and executing air missions, while Air Vice Marshal Nnamdi Ananaba assumes the position of Chief of Air Intelligence, overseeing intelligence gathering and analysis.

The transformation and innovation branch, reflecting the Air Force’s increasing emphasis on technology-driven operations, will now be led by Air Vice Marshal Mohammed Ibrahim. 

In the realm of training and evaluation, Air Vice Marshal Ahmed Dari has been appointed Chief of Training, and Air Vice Marshal Ebimobo Ebiowe becomes Superintendent of Standards and Evaluation.

The logistics and engineering sectors have also seen significant changes. Air Vice Marshal Olufemi Ogunsina is now Chief of Aircraft Engineering, and Air Vice Marshal Michael Onyebashi has taken command as Air Officer Commanding Mobility Command. 

Communications and security have been bolstered with Air Vice Marshal David Pwajok as Chief of Communication and Information Systems and Air Vice Marshal John Ukeh as Air Provost Marshal.

Administrative and welfare structures within the NAF have been reinforced through appointments such as Air Vice Marshal Simon Peter as Managing Director of NAFIL Housing and Construction Company, and Air Vice Marshal Chidiebere Obiabaka as Air Secretary. Air Vice Marshal Anthony Martins now serves as Chief of Administration, while Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Sule has been appointed Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command. Additionally, Air Vice Marshal Abdulrasheed Kotun has taken over as Managing Director of NAF Farms.

Civil-military relations, a crucial aspect of the Air Force’s engagement with the public and other stakeholders, will be overseen by Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, the new Chief of Civil-Military Relations. Air Vice Marshal Osichinaka Ubadike has been named Deputy Commandant of AFIT, further strengthening the leadership at the institution.

Several other senior officers, including Air Vice Marshals Ahmed Bakari, Albert Bot, Idi Sani, Muhammed Suleiman, Jibrin Usman, and Japheht Ekwuribe, have been reassigned to various defense and inter-service establishments. 

These moves are part of a broader effort to bolster joint operations and national defense coordination.

The Nigerian Air Force describes this comprehensive reshuffle as a strategic measure to ensure balanced leadership, institutional effectiveness, and sustained transformation.

Under Air Marshal Aneke’s leadership, the NAF aims to usher in a new era of smarter, more adaptive air operations, emphasizing purpose, protection, and progress.