By Harriet Tornguvan
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has strengthened its high-command leadership with the promotion of 57 senior officers to the prestigious ranks of Air Vice Marshal (AVM) and Air Commodore. The elevation, released on the 27th November 2025, underscores the Service’s renewed commitment to building a more capable, agile and strategically driven force to confront Nigeria’s evolving security threats.
A total of 27 officers were promoted to Air Vice Marshal, including 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.
In the same promotion cycle, 30 senior officers were elevated to the rank of Air Commodore. They 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.
According to the NAF, the promotions followed a rigorous assessment of merit, professional competence, operational experience and alignment with the Air Force’s strategic objectives. The move is part of deliberate efforts to reinforce command capacity and sharpen operational leadership across all theatres of operation.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, said the elevation of the officers reflects their exceptional dedication to service and the nation. He noted that Nigeria is currently navigating one of its most complex security periods marked by terrorism, banditry, cross-border crimes and other emerging threats that demand decisive and innovative military leadership.
“This elevation is not just recognition; it is responsibility,” he said. “The nation needs leaders who think clearly under pressure, act with precision, and inspire confidence within the ranks. Nigeria is counting on you, and you must not fail.”
Aneke urged the newly promoted officers to uphold integrity, discipline and operational excellence while deepening joint collaboration with sister security agencies and mentoring junior personnel.
He reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to far-reaching reforms aimed at building a smarter, technology-driven and highly responsive Air Force capable of delivering decisive airpower whenever required.
The Nigerian Air Force congratulated all promoted officers, expressing confidence that they will bring renewed energy, innovation and patriotism to their expanded command responsibilities.
