Odita Sunday 
By Odita Sunday
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recorded more than 2,900 operational sorties and 6,100 flying hours between November 2025 and September 2026, as Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, prepares to mark his first year in office on October 30.
The figures highlight the service’s operational activities and ongoing efforts to strengthen personnel welfare, modernise its aircraft fleet, improve infrastructure and enhance the professional capacity of its workforce.
According to the Air Force, the operations consumed nearly 10 million litres of Jet A-1 aviation fuel and covered precision air strikes, armed reconnaissance, surveillance, close air support and intelligence-led missions targeting hostile elements and supporting ground troops.
The service said its operational strategy under Aneke’s leadership focuses on ensuring that missions produce tangible outcomes and contribute directly to Nigeria’s security objectives.
On personnel welfare, the NAF highlighted measures implemented under its Welfare for Enhanced Warfare initiative, including improvements in allowances, medical services, accommodation and other support facilities.
It also disclosed that welfare airlift services had been reactivated to assist personnel deployed in frontline operational theatres.
The service recorded the promotion of 1,534 senior non-commissioned officers and 1,936 non-commissioned officers during the period under review.
It added that more than 550 personnel participated in international training programmes and professional engagements, while over 6,000 others underwent training within Nigeria.
As part of efforts to expand its operational capacity, the Air Force disclosed that five helicopters were delivered in September 2026. The aircraft comprise three AW-109 Trekker Type B helicopters and two H125 helicopters.
The service also said plans were underway to procure 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters, alongside additional aircraft and unmanned aerial systems to strengthen its operational capabilities.
Progress was also reported in the reactivation and upgrade of six L-39ZA aircraft in Slovakia and Nigeria, while periodic depot maintenance on a C-130 aircraft was ongoing in Portugal.
These initiatives form part of the service’s broader efforts to improve aircraft availability, sustain operational readiness and strengthen its ability to respond to evolving security challenges.
Beyond aviation operations, the NAF disclosed that 284 infrastructure projects had been approved, with 145 completed and 139 still in progress.
The projects cover a range of facilities, including personnel accommodation, schools, medical centres, operational and administrative buildings, roads, electricity, water supply and recreational infrastructure.
The service also highlighted efforts to strengthen local defence production through the development and manufacture of selected military equipment.
Among the items identified were Aircraft Release Device 863 impulse release cartridges and a 250-kilogram bomb-loading trolley. Locally produced 57-millimetre rockets are also undergoing development and ground testing.
The initiatives are intended to support indigenous capacity and reduce reliance on external sources for selected military equipment.
The Air Force further identified aviation safety and accountability as important components of its operational framework.
According to the service, measures in this area include the establishment of an Operational and Safety Audit Committee, the strengthening of its Safety Management System and the development of structures for Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response.
It also cited efforts to standardise training and improve assessment and investigation capabilities as part of broader measures to strengthen operational safety and accountability.
In addition to its core military responsibilities, the NAF said community healthcare programmes, educational interventions and other special projects had contributed to civil-military relations and efforts to build public confidence.
As Aneke approaches his first anniversary as Chief of the Air Staff, the service said its focus would remain on converting investments in personnel, aircraft, technology, training and infrastructure into measurable operational results.
It identified stronger joint operations, strategic partnerships, improved aircraft maintenance and the responsible use of airpower as key priorities for sustaining readiness.
The Air Force reaffirmed its commitment to building a professional, accountable and responsive service capable of supporting national security operations and contributing to safer skies across Nigeria.
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