The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has approved a major redeployment of senior officers in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as part of efforts to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen command structure across the service.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, NAF said the reshuffle affects key appointments at its headquarters, field commands, and operational units nationwide.
According to Ejodame, the redeployment is designed to optimise decision-making, improve mission readiness, and align with the strategic vision of the new Air Chief to ensure a more adaptive, technology-driven force capable of addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Among the key appointments, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Abubakar Abdullahi has been named Chief of Policy and Plans, while AVM Adeniran Ademuwagun takes over as Commandant of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna. AVM Ibitayo Ajiboye assumes the position of Group Managing Director, Nigerian Air Force Investment Limited (NAFIL), and AVM Precious Amadi becomes Chief of Operations.
Others include AVM Nnamdi Ananaba as Chief of Air Intelligence, AVM Ebimobo Ebiowe as Superintendent of Standards and Evaluation, and AVM Ahmed Dari as Chief of Training. The Transformation and Innovation Branch will now be led by AVM Mohammed Ibrahim, underscoring the Air Force’s renewed emphasis on innovation and digital transformation.
In the logistics and engineering sectors, AVM Olufemi Ogunsina was appointed Chief of Aircraft Engineering, while AVM Michael Onyebashi now serves as Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Mobility Command. AVM David Pwajok becomes Chief of Communication and Information Systems, and AVM John Ukeh assumes the role of Air Provost Marshal.
The statement further listed AVM Simon Peter as Managing Director of NAFIL Housing and Construction Company and AVM Chidiebere Obiabaka as Air Secretary. AVM Anthony Martins takes over as Chief of Administration, AVM Abubakar Sule becomes AOC, Logistics Command, and AVM Abdulrasheed Kotun was appointed Managing Director of NAF Farms.
Additionally, AVM Edward Gabkwet is now Chief of Civil-Military Relations, while AVM Osichinaka Ubadike serves as Deputy Commandant of AFIT.
Several other senior officers, including AVMs Ahmed Bakari, Albert Bot, Idi Sani, Muhammed Suleiman, Jibrin Usman, and Japheht Ekwuribe, were also redeployed to various defence and inter-service establishments to strengthen joint operations and enhance national defence coordination.
Ejodame described the redeployment as a strategic measure to ensure balanced leadership, institutional effectiveness, and sustained transformation under Air Marshal Aneke’s leadership.
“With this new wave of appointments, the Nigerian Air Force is poised to consolidate its achievements and usher in an era of smarter, more adaptive air operations — one that reflects the Chief’s vision of a force built for purpose, protection, and progress,” the statement added.
