A major shake-up has swept through the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) following the redeployment of several senior officers in what NAF has described as a strategic effort to enhance operational efficiency and align with the philosophy of the newly appointed Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke.
Approved by the CAS, the sweeping changes affect key appointments at NAF Headquarters, field commands, and specialised units across the country.
The reorganisation, according to the Air Force, is designed to optimise command effectiveness, improve decision-making, and boost mission readiness in the face of Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Among those affected is Air-Vice Marshal (AVM) Abubakar Abdullahi, now appointed Chief of Policy and Plans, while AVM Adeniran Ademuwagun takes over as Commandant of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna.
Also redeployed are AVM Ibitayo Ajiboye as Group Managing Director of NAF Investment Limited (NAFIL), and AVM Precious Amadi as Chief of Operations.
In other key postings, AVM Nnamdi Ananaba becomes Chief of Air Intelligence, AVM Ebimobo Ebiowe takes charge as Superintendent of Standards and Evaluation, and AVM Ahmed Dari assumes duty as Chief of Training.
The Transformation and Innovation Branch will now be headed by AVM Mohammed Ibrahim, reflecting the Service’s renewed focus on technology and efficiency.
Further appointments include AVM Olufemi Ogunsina as Chief of Aircraft Engineering, AVM Michael Onyebashi as Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Mobility Command, and AVM David Pwajok as Chief of Communication and Information Systems.
AVM John Ukeh becomes Air Provost Marshal, while AVM Simon Peter is named Managing Director, NAFIL Housing and Construction Company.
Others affected are AVM Chidiebere Obiabaka as Air Secretary, AVM Anthony Martins as Chief of Administration, AVM Abubakar Sule as AOC, Logistics Command, and AVM Abdulrasheed Kotun as Managing Director, NAF Farms.
AVM Edward Gabkwet, the former NAF spokesperson, now serves as Chief of Civil-Military Relations, while AVM Osichinaka Ubadike becomes Deputy Commandant, AFIT.
Several other senior officers — including AVMs Ahmed Bakari, Albert Bot, Idi Sani, Muhammed Suleiman, Jibrin Usman, and Japheht Ekwuribe — have been redeployed to various defence and inter-service establishments to bolster joint operations and national defence coordination.
In a statement signed by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, the Air Force said the reshuffle was part of ongoing efforts to “ensure balanced leadership, enhance institutional effectiveness, and sustain the momentum of transformation under Air Marshal Aneke’s leadership.”
NAF expressed confidence that the redeployment will consolidate its achievements and usher in a new era of smarter, adaptive air operations — one built, in the CAS’s words, “not merely for power, but for purpose, protection, and progress.”