By Ogochukwu Isioma
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced a major reshuffle in its top hierarchy, redeploying several senior officers in what it describes as a strategic move to enhance operational efficiency, foster synergy, and align with the command philosophy of the newly appointed Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke.
According to a statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Friday, the redeployment affects key appointments at NAF Headquarters, field commands, and units across the country.
“The latest postings, approved by the Chief of the Air Staff, are part of ongoing efforts to optimise command effectiveness, improve decision-making processes, and reinforce mission readiness in line with the evolving security environment,” Ejodame said.
Under the new postings, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Abubakar Abdullahi has been appointed Chief of Policy and Plans, while AVM Adeniran Ademuwagun assumes duty as Commandant of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna. Similarly, AVM Ibitayo Ajiboye has been named Group Managing Director, Nigerian Air Force Investment Limited (NAFIL) Group of Companies, and AVM Precious Amadi takes over as Chief of Operations.
Other key appointments include AVM Nnamdi Ananaba, now Chief of Air Intelligence, and AVM Ebimobo Ebiowe, who becomes Superintendent of Standards and Evaluation. AVM Ahmed Dari has been appointed Chief of Training, while the Transformation and Innovation Branch will be headed by AVM Mohammed Ibrahim.
In the logistics and engineering domains, AVM Olufemi Ogunsina is now Chief of Aircraft Engineering, and AVM Michael Onyebashi assumes command as Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Mobility Command. AVM David Pwajok becomes Chief of Communication and Information Systems, while AVM John Ukeh has been named Air Provost Marshal.
Further reinforcing NAF’s administrative and welfare structures, AVM Simon Peter has been appointed Managing Director, NAFIL Housing and Construction Company, and AVM Chidiebere Obiabaka becomes Air Secretary. AVM Anthony Martins now serves as Chief of Administration, AVM Abubakar Sule takes over as AOC, Logistics Command, and AVM Abdulrasheed Kotun assumes duty as Managing Director, NAF Farms.
Significantly, AVM Edward Gabkwet, until recently the NAF spokesperson, has been appointed Chief of Civil-Military Relations, a move observers see as consolidating his experience in public communication and community engagement into a broader strategic role.
“With these new appointments, the Nigerian Air Force is positioning itself 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.
Also redeployed to various defence and inter-service establishments are senior officers including AVMs Ahmed Bakari, Albert Bot, Idi Sani, Muhammed Suleiman, Jibrin Usman, and Japheht Ekwuribe. NAF said their new assignments are in line with ongoing efforts to strengthen joint operations and national defence coordination.
“This redeployment represents a strategic measure to ensure balanced leadership, enhance institutional effectiveness, and sustain the momentum of transformation under the new administration of Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke,” Ejodame stated.
