By Esther Oseyiomon
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke, has reviewed his first 100 days in office, describing the period as eventful and instructive while outlining a renewed strategic direction for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
Aneke spoke on Wednesday as he declared open a high-level meeting with Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding (AOCs) and Unit Commanders at the Air Marshal MD Umar Blue Room in Abuja.
The meeting, which brought together senior commanders from across operational theatres, provided a platform to assess progress recorded within the first three months of his leadership.
It also created an opportunity to chart operational priorities and institutional reforms aimed at strengthening the Service’s effectiveness in addressing evolving security threats.
In his remarks, the CAS said his initial months in office enabled him to undertake operational visits, evaluate institutional processes, and gain firsthand insight into the dedication and sacrifices of personnel.
Although he acknowledged that 100 days is a relatively short period, Aneke noted that the experience exposed areas requiring recalibration, consolidation and sharper strategic focus.
He described the engagement with senior commanders as timely, stressing that collective reflection and alignment of leadership perspectives are critical to repositioning the Air Force.
Aneke urged commanders to approach deliberations with unity, professionalism and strategic clarity, reaffirming the NAF’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
According to him, the two-day meeting will review performance metrics, evaluate ongoing operations and examine strategic initiatives, including the UAV Development Roadmap and the optimisation of air power in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency missions.
The CAS also emphasised discipline, unity and constitutional loyalty within the ranks as the nation approaches another election cycle, expressing appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and reaffirming the NAF’s alignment with national security objectives.