Chief Of Air Staff Advances Operational Readiness and Strategic Partnership With Enugu State During Maiden Visit To Ground Training Command

Chief Of Air Staff Advances Operational Readiness and Strategic Partnership With Enugu State During Maiden Visit To Ground Training Command

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, undertook a 2-day operational visit from 5 February 2026 to the Nigerian Air Force Ground Training Command (GTC) and other located units in Enugu, reinforcing the Service’s commitment to national security and development. The visit reflects the Nigerian Air Force’s drive to strengthen operational readiness, deepen civil-military partnerships, and align training institutions with evolving security demands. Central to the programme was a high-level engagement with the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Barr (Dr) Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, aimed at consolidating collaboration toward a safer and more development-oriented environment. During the courtesy visit at Government House, the CAS commended the Governor for sustained support to NAF personnel and infrastructure, particularly accommodation development and improvements to essential utilities, describing the partnership as a model of subnational cooperation in national security. “Ground training is the engine room of airpower. When our technical and support personnel are properly trained and motivated, our operational aircraft can deliver decisive results. I deeply appreciate the Enugu State Government’s commitment to strengthening our capacity to protect lives and critical assets,” he stated.

The CAS further outlined the Air Force’s long-term welfare and sustainability vision, emphasizing initiatives that integrate housing, agriculture, and operational resilience. He noted that collaboration on resettlement housing and agro-allied programmes would enhance personnel wellbeing while contributing to economic activity within the State, reaffirming that the NAF would continue intelligence-driven cooperation with sister security agencies to sustain peace in Enugu and across the South-East. In his response, Governor Mbah assured the Nigerian Air Force of the State Government’s unwavering collaboration in facilitating the security of Enugu and the nation at large. He confirmed readiness to extend land allocation for resettlement homes for NAF personnel, as well as land to support NAF Farms and agro-allied services, emphasizing that security and development are inseparable priorities while praising the professionalism and stabilizing role of Air Force personnel in the region.

At the Ground Training Command, the CAS received a comprehensive operational brief from the Air Officer Commanding, Air Vice Marshal AG Kehinde, detailing ongoing training reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and personnel development programmes designed to boost operational output. The briefing highlighted the Command’s critical role in producing the technical and support expertise that underpins Nigerian Air Force missions nationwide, with Air Marshal Aneke commending its leadership for aligning training standards with contemporary operational demands. Following the briefing, the CAS inspected training facilities and key operational assets across the Command and other located units, reiterating that modern airpower effectiveness is sustained by a strong ground training ecosystem that guarantees technical excellence, discipline, and mission reliability. Expressing satisfaction with the progress recorded, he assured continued institutional support, affirming that investment in training remains central to building a capable, responsive, and future-ready Air Force.