From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has elevated 57 senior officers to the ranks of Air Vice Marshal and Air Commodore in what the Air Council described as a strategic effort to reinforce the service’s leadership architecture amid Nigeria’s shifting security challenges.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the promotions underscore the force’s commitment to strengthening high-level command capability, deepening operational expertise and advancing its transformation into a more agile and technology-driven institution.
According to the statement, 27 senior officers were promoted to Air Vice Marshal, while 30 others were elevated to the rank of Air Commodore.
Those promoted to Air Vice Marshal include 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 are 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.
The newly promoted Air Commodores 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.
Others elevated to the rank include 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.
Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, congratulated the newly promoted officers, describing their elevation as a testament to professional excellence, operational effectiveness and unwavering loyalty to the service.
Aneke noted that the promotions come at a period when Nigeria is grappling with complex, fast-evolving security threats, requiring military leaders who can deliver clarity, precision and innovative solutions.
“This elevation is not just recognition; it is responsibility. The nation needs leaders who think clearly under pressure, act with precision and inspire the men and women they lead as a united force. Nigeria is counting on you, and you must not fail,” he said.
He urged the officers to uphold integrity and discipline, strengthen joint operations, maximise intelligence exploitation and intensify the mentoring of junior personnel.
The CAS reaffirmed NAF’s commitment to ongoing reforms aimed at building a smarter, more decisive air force capable of projecting effective air power across all theatres of operation.
