The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced a major shake-up of its senior leadership, involving fresh appointments and postings across its operational commands, strategic institutions, and Defence Headquarters. The exercise, approved by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, on November 7, 2026, aims to strengthen command effectiveness, enhance institutional capacity, and sustain operational readiness. The appointments cover Service Headquarters, operational commands, training institutions, and other strategic establishments.
At the NAF Headquarters, several senior officers have been appointed to key positions. Air Vice Marshal AK Ademuwagun has been appointed Chief of Transformation and Innovation, while AVM IV Ajiboye became Superintendent of Standards and Evaluation. Other appointments include AVM PN Amadi as Chief of Air Intelligence, AVM NN Ananaba as Chief of Operations, and AVM AH Bakari as Air Provost Marshal. These appointments reflect a deliberate effort to align leadership competencies and professional experience with the Service's evolving operational and institutional priorities.
The NAF has also announced appointments to key operational commands. AVM NI Ilo has been appointed Air Officer Commanding, Tactical Air Command, while AVM BR Mamman became AOC, Mobility Command. Other appointments include AVM OS Ogunsina as AOC, Logistics Command, and AVM MN Onyebashi as AOC, Special Operations Command. These appointments aim to enhance the operational effectiveness of the NAF's various commands and units.
In addition to operational commands, the NAF has also made appointments to its institutional level. AVM PB Philips has been appointed Commandant of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, while AVM MC Ekwueme became Commandant of the Armed Forces Resettlement Centre. Other appointments include AVM AO Akinbunwa as Commandant of the Air Force War College and AVM OC Ubadike as Commandant of the Air Force Institute of Technology.
The appointments also affect the Defence Headquarters, where AVM UK Abdullahi has been appointed Director of Defence Operations. AVM EOE Ebiowe was posted to the Office of the National Security Adviser as Deputy Coordinator, National Intelligence. Other senior officers were posted to various directorates at the Defence Headquarters, including operations, military strategy, and cyber operations.
The NAF shake-up is part of efforts to strengthen leadership renewal, institutional accountability, and operational effectiveness across the service. According to the Chief of the Air Staff, the professional competence and wealth of experience of the newly appointed officers would advance his command philosophy and strengthen the Air Force's capacity to deliver decisive airpower effects in support of joint operations and national security objectives.
All affected officers are expected to assume their new appointments and complete the necessary handover and takeover formalities on or before November 13, 2026. The NAF has assured that the appointments were made based on merit and a careful consideration of the needs of the service. The shake-up is expected to have a positive impact on the operational effectiveness of the NAF and its ability to support national security objectives.
Key points
- The Nigerian Air Force has announced a major shake-up of its senior leadership, involving fresh appointments and postings across its operational commands, strategic institutions, and Defence Headquarters.
- The appointments aim to strengthen command effectiveness, enhance institutional capacity, and sustain operational readiness.
- All affected officers are expected to assume their new appointments and complete the necessary handover and takeover formalities on or before November 13, 2026.
