Odita Sunday 
By Odita Sunday
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has received an award from the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) in recognition of the Nigerian Air Force’s contributions to counterterrorism and other security operations.
The award was presented at DECAN’s 2026 Conference and Awards in Abuja, which brought together defence officials, military leaders and journalists to examine strategies for addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The conference was themed,“Beyond Kinetic Warfare: Harnessing Technology and Intelligence-Led Operations for Nigeria’s National Security.”
Discussions focused on the growing importance of intelligence gathering, technological innovation and inter-agency cooperation in strengthening military operations against increasingly sophisticated security threats.
The recognition of Air Marshal Aneke highlighted the role of airpower in supporting counterterrorism operations through aerial surveillance, intelligence gathering and coordinated air strikes against terrorist targets.
These capabilities also support ground troops and enhance the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in confronting terrorism and other security threats across the country.
Participants at the conference called for increased investment in advanced surveillance systems, artificial intelligence, geospatial intelligence and real-time information sharing to improve threat detection and operational decision-making.
They also stressed that technological advancement must be matched with adequate personnel training, reliable equipment and effective coordination among security agencies.
The conference further examined the role of defence correspondents in promoting public understanding of military operations while upholding professionalism and responsible reporting.
The Minister of Defence urged journalists to balance their responsibility to hold institutions accountable with the need to protect operational security, warning against the publication of unverified reports and sensitive information that could compromise military missions or endanger personnel.
The DECAN Conference and Awards reaffirmed the importance of cooperation between the military and the media in advancing national security objectives.
Aneke’s recognition comes amid ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies to strengthen intelligence-led operations, modernise military capabilities and improve responses to terrorism and other security challenges.
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