Nigerian Air Force reshuffles 67 senior officers

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has changed the positions of 67 senior officers across its commands, training institutions, and defence establishments. This move aims to improve its effectiveness and support for ongoing military operations against insurgents and other security threats.

As part of this reshuffle, a new leader for Operation Hadin Kai has been appointed. This task force is focused on combating Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Nigeria’s North-east. The air force has been vital in this fight, using air support to help ground troops.

Kelvin Aneke, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), an air marshal, approved these appointments on 7 November. This reshuffle impacts key roles at NAF headquarters, operational commands, Defence Headquarters, and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), among others.

NAF spokesperson, Ehimen Ejodame, said in a statement on Sunday that the exercise was meant to match the officers’ skills and experience with the service’s changing operational needs.

He added that all officers affected by the changes are expected to take on their new roles and finish necessary handover tasks by 13 November.

All the officers involved hold the rank of Air Vice Marshal (AVM). At the NAF headquarters, Adeniran Ademuwagun was named chief of transformation and innovation, while Nnamdi Ananaba became chief of operations.

Other new appointments include Precious Amadi as chief of air intelligence, Enebong Efiom as chief of training, Ahmed Bakari as air provost marshal, and John Laoye as chief of aircraft engineering.

Mohammed Ibrahim will lead as chairman for air expo and international liaison, while Adebayo Kehinde is now chief of civil-military relations. Other roles include MA Sulaiman as chief of communications and information systems and Simon Peters as coordinator for the project implementation team.

The reshuffle also affects the heads of NAF’s operational commands. Nnaemeka Ilo is now air officer commanding, Tactical Air Command, while Bashir Mamman took charge of Mobility Command.

Olufemi Ogunsina became air officer commanding, Logistics Command, and Michael Onyebashi will lead Special Operations Command. FCS Nwakara has taken over as air officer commanding, Ground Training Command.

John Ukeh has been appointed commander of the Nigerian Air Defence Corps (NADC). Additionally, Garba Jibia is now deputy force commander of Operation Hadin Kai.

Many officers have also been posted to important roles at Defence Headquarters and other national security bodies. Usman Abdullahi is now director of defence operations at Defence Headquarters, and Elijah Ebiowe moved to ONSA as deputy coordinator for national intelligence.

Other new roles include Idi Sani as deputy chief of defence intelligence and David Pwajok as director of technical services at the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).

At Defence Headquarters, ZA Usman is the new director of cyber operations, while Edward Gabkwet became director of civil-military relations. Other appointments include Ahmed Shinkafi as director of liaison, Alfred Shogbamu as director of military strategy, Rasaq Olanrewaju as director of search and rescue, J Usman as director of special duties, and John Ijudigal as director of sports.

Changes also reached military training and professional development centers. PB Philips was named commandant of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, while MC Ekwueme became commandant of the Armed Forces Resettlement Centre.

AO Akinbunwa is now commandant of the Air Force War College, and A Idris became commandant of the Air Warfare Doctrine Centre. Other appointments include JA Ekwuribe as commandant of the Regiment Training Centre, OC Ubadike as commandant of the Air Force Institute of Technology, and AI Sambo as commandant of the Nigerian Air Force College of Logistics and Management.

M Yusuf has been appointed deputy commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna State. NAF also announced changes in other commands and strategic operations, including AY Dari as general manager of the Nigerian Air Force Investment Limited Group of Companies and NS Okoro as director general of the Air Force Research and Development Institute.

CE Akubue was appointed managing director of Aircraft Engineering and Technical Services Limited, while CE Akpa became commander of Headquarters NAF Camp. Other roles include SA Eyoma as deputy commandant of the Air Force Institute of Technology, FO Ankeli as commandant of the Air Traffic Services Training Centre, and U Ariahu as deputy commandant of the Nigerian Air Force College of Logistics and Management.

NAF stated that this realignment shows its commitment to leadership renewal, accountability, and better operational effectiveness. CAS Mr Aneke expressed confidence that the newly appointed officers would support his command philosophy and boost the air force’s ability to deliver effective air support for military operations and national security.