The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced the promotion of 57 senior officers to the distinguished ranks of Air Vice Marshal and Air Commodore.
The Service said the promotion is aimed at strengthening its leadership capacity amid evolving national security challenges.
Announcing the elevation in a statement, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the promotion list underscores the NAF leadership’s commitment to building a smarter, stronger, and more operationally decisive force capable of responding swiftly to threats across the country.
“A total of 27 officers have been elevated to the rank of Air Vice Marshal. They include Air Commodores S.A. Eyoma, G.I. Jibia, A.A. Adebomehin, E.S. Odekina, C.E. Akubue, S.O. Eyekosi, A.O. Akinbuwa, L.I. Kamat, A.G. Akinyimika, A.O. Bamidele, A.K. Famuyiwa, P.J. Edem, S.A. Madaki, O.T. Salami, F.O. Ankeli, M.J. Chidama, J.J. Ijudigal, M. Umar, I.J. Ogbodo, U. Ariahu, A.L. Dakwat, C.E. Akpa, E.C. Ukpong, I.S. Subi, I.M. Yusha’u, S.S. Lazarus, and F. Ekpah.
Meanwhile, 30 officers have been promoted to the rank of Air Commodore, including Group Captains M.A. Imam, A.A. Komolafe, H.I. Eze, D.U. Edet, M.B. Umar, G.H. Okoh, S.P. Sekegor, P.P. Okonkwo, P.U. Okweugo, A.U. Yahaya, M. Yahaya, I.R. Ubeh, O.K. Cole, E.A. Ifebi, R.K. Olundu, I.O. Akpasa, A.K. Mohammed, H.A. Meshack, S.N. Nwachi, Z.B. Shuwa, E.J. Alabila, S.A. Osoniyi, A.O. Ogunmola, A.J. Arumona, B.I. Jayeoba, C.E. Akuh, N.N. Onuoha-Mba, P.A. Garba, Y.M. Abdullahi, and M. Suleiman,” the statement revealed.
NAF spokesperson stated that the promotion cycle reflects a deliberate effort to reinforce high-command leadership, sharpen operational expertise, and strengthen the intellectual and strategic foundation of the Service.
Officers, he said were selected following a rigorous evaluation of merit, professional competence, operational experience, loyalty, and alignment with the strategic objectives of the Nigerian Air Force.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the promotions as recognition of the officers’ personal sacrifice, professional excellence, and unwavering dedication to national defence.
He noted that the elevation aims to deepen command responsibility, enhance operational decision-making, and strengthen the NAF’s readiness across multiple theatres of operation.
“Nigeria faces one of its most complex security environments in recent history, characterised by terrorism, banditry, cross-border crimes, and emerging asymmetric threats that demand speed, flexibility, and innovative thinking from military leadership,” he said.
The CAS added, “This elevation is not just recognition, it is responsibility. The nation needs leaders who think clearly under pressure, act with precision, and inspire the men and women behind them. Nigeria is counting on you, and you must not fail.”
He urged the newly promoted officers to serve with integrity, humility, and operational sharpness, while enhancing collaboration with sister services, exploiting intelligence effectively, mentoring junior personnel, and maintaining the highest standards of discipline in all air operations.
The CAS reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to ongoing strategic reforms aimed at building a technologically advanced Air Force capable of delivering decisive airpower whenever the nation requires it.
The Nigerian Air Force congratulates all newly promoted senior officers and expressed full confidence that they will justify the trust placed in them through excellence in command, innovation in leadership, and unwavering patriotism.
Linus Aleke in Abuja
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