The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced a major redeployment of senior officers in a strategic shake-up aimed at improving operational efficiency, strengthening synergy across commands, and aligning with the leadership philosophy of the newly appointed Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke.
According to a statement signed by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, the postings — approved by the CAS — affect key appointments at NAF Headquarters, field commands, and specialized units. Ejodame said the move was part of ongoing efforts to optimize command effectiveness, enhance decision-making, and reinforce mission readiness in response to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Among the key appointments, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Abubakar Abdullahi becomes Chief of Policy and Plans, while AVM Adeniran Ademuwagun assumes duty as Commandant of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna. AVM Ibitayo Ajiboye has been named Group Managing Director of the Nigerian Air Force Investment Limited (NAFIL) Group of Companies, and AVM Precious Amadi now serves as Chief of Operations.
Other appointments 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, reflecting the Service’s increasing emphasis on technological advancement and efficiency.
In logistics and engineering, AVM Olufemi Ogunsina takes over as Chief of Aircraft Engineering, while AVM Michael Onyebashi assumes command as Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Mobility Command. AVM David Pwajok becomes Chief of Communication and Information Systems, and AVM John Ukeh takes charge as Air Provost Marshal.
To strengthen administration and welfare structures, AVM Simon Peter has been appointed Managing Director, NAFIL Housing and Construction Company; AVM Chidiebere Obiabaka becomes Air Secretary; AVM Anthony Martins takes over as Chief of Administration; AVM Abubakar Sule becomes AOC, Logistics Command; and AVM Abdulrasheed Kotun has been named Managing Director, NAF Farms. The new Chief of Civil-Military Relations is AVM Edward Gabkwet, while AVM Osichinaka Ubadike assumes the role of Deputy Commandant, AFIT.
Several other senior officers — including AVMs Ahmed Bakari, Albert Bot, Idi Sani, Muhammed Suleiman, Jibrin Usman, and Japheht Ekwuribe — have been posted to various defence and inter-service establishments to bolster joint operations and enhance national defence coordination.
The NAF described the reshuffle as a “strategic measure to ensure balanced leadership, enhance institutional effectiveness, and sustain the momentum of transformation” under Air Marshal Aneke’s administration.
“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 CAS’s vision of a force built not merely for power, but for purpose, protection, and progress,” the statement added.