The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) unwavering commitment to sustaining peace and security across the South-East, while calling for stronger collaboration among governments, security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities to address the root causes of insecurity.
A statement signed by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame Director of Public Relations and Information,Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force said the CAS made the call during the South-East Regional Security Summit 2026, held on 30 July 2026 in Umuahia, Abia State, under the theme, “Collaborative Approaches to Strengthening Security and Regional Stability.” The summit was convened by the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, while the keynote address was delivered by Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika (Rtd), CFR.
Speaking at the summit, Air Marshal Aneke described the gathering as a demonstration of collective resolve to restore lasting peace, stability and economic prosperity to the region. He commended the South-East Governors’ Forum and other stakeholders for supporting the initiative, noting that the South-East remains Nigeria’s historic industrial and commercial hub despite recent security challenges. He assured participants that the Nigerian Air Force, alongside sister services and other security agencies, remains resolute in ensuring that criminal elements no longer undermine the peace and prosperity of the region. “The Nigerian Air Force, along with its sister services and other security agencies, stands firmly with you in fighting insecurity. We are dedicated to ensuring that criminal elements no longer take the peace and economy of this region for granted,” he stated.
Highlighting ongoing efforts, the CAS noted that the Armed Forces of Nigeria have intensified joint operations across the region, with the NAF providing critical Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), precision air interdictions and close air support to surface forces. He explained that these coordinated operations have significantly degraded the mobility and operational capacity of criminal elements while creating a safer environment for communities and economic activities to flourish.
Air Marshal Aneke, however, stressed that enduring peace cannot be achieved through military action alone. “Bombs and bullets do not address the root causes of insecurity. While military operations are necessary to create a secure environment, true and enduring peace requires a whole-of-society approach,” he said. He therefore urged governments, traditional rulers, community leaders, youth organisations and socio-cultural institutions to strengthen community engagement, actively mentor young people and create opportunities that discourage vulnerable youths from embracing violence.
The CAS also appealed to residents of the South-East to support security efforts through timely and actionable intelligence, encouraging them to embrace the “If you see something, say something” principle. He reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to civil-military cooperation through medical outreaches and other community support initiatives designed to strengthen trust and deepen the partnership between the Armed Forces and the people. “We are not an occupying force; we are your sons, daughters, brothers and sisters, dedicated to protecting the territorial integrity of our homeland,” he affirmed.
Air Marshal Aneke expressed confidence that the summit would produce practical strategies to consolidate peace, stimulate economic growth and preserve the South-East’s position as a hub of commerce, innovation and enterprise. Reaffirming the NAF’s commitment to the region, he declared: “Together, we will keep the South-East a thriving hub of commerce, innovation and peace. The Nigerian Air Force will continue to stay vigilant and committed to restoring peace and security to every inch of the South-East and Nigeria as a whole.”
