The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has elevated 57 senior officers to the ranks of Air Vice Marshal and Air Commodore as part of efforts to strengthen its leadership structure and improve operational readiness amid rising national security demands.
In a statement on Thursday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said 27 officers were promoted to Air Vice Marshal, while 30 others were elevated to Air Commodore.
The newly promoted Air Vice Marshals include 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 promoted 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.
Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, Chief of the Air Staff, said the promotions were based on merit, professional competence and alignment with the strategic goals of the Service. He described the elevation as both a recognition of sacrifice and a call to deeper responsibility, especially as the nation continues to grapple with terrorism, banditry, cross-border crimes and other emerging threats.
“The nation needs leaders who think clearly under pressure and act with precision,” he said, urging the officers to demonstrate integrity, discipline and innovation in their new roles.
He added that the promotions were part of broader reforms aimed at building a technologically driven and operationally decisive Air Force capable of delivering prompt and effective airpower when required.
The NAF congratulated all promoted officers and expressed confidence in their ability to strengthen command capacity across ongoing operations nationwide.
