By Amechi Ofiwe
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has elevated 57 senior officers to higher command positions in a major move aimed at strengthening the Service’s leadership structure and enhancing national security response capacity. The promotions, approved on 27 November 2025, include 27 new Air Vice Marshals and 30 new Air Commodores.
According to the Air Council, the elevation forms part of ongoing strategic reforms to equip the Air Force with stronger, smarter, and more operationally decisive leaders capable of confronting Nigeria’s evolving security threats.
Among those promoted to the rank of Air Vice Marshal are Air Commodores 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, FO Ankeli, 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 elevated to Air Commodore include Group Captains 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, IO Akpasa, 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.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the promotion exercise as a recognition of merit, professional competence, operational experience, and loyalty to the Service. He emphasized that Nigeria’s current security environment requires leaders who can think critically under pressure, make swift decisions, and inspire confidence across multiple theatres of operation.
“This elevation is not just recognition—it is responsibility,” he stated. “At a time when Nigeria faces complex threats ranging from terrorism and banditry to emerging asymmetric challenges, the nation needs leaders who can act with precision, uphold discipline, strengthen inter-service cooperation, and drive innovation across all air operations.”
Air Marshal Aneke urged the newly promoted officers to demonstrate integrity, humility, and operational sharpness while mentoring younger personnel and advancing the Service’s strategic reforms. He reaffirmed NAF’s commitment to building a modern, technologically driven force capable of delivering decisive airpower whenever and wherever required.
The Nigerian Air Force congratulated all the newly promoted officers and expressed full confidence in their ability to strengthen command capacity and contribute to national security.
Ehimen Ejodame
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force
27 November 2025
