Chief Of Air Staff Calls For Whole-Of-Society Approach To Consolidate Peace and Security In The South-East

Chief Of Air Staff Calls For Whole-Of-Society Approach To Consolidate Peace and Security In The South-East

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. Speaking at 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 CAS described the summit as a demonstration of collective resolve to restore lasting peace, stability and economic prosperity to the region. The summit was convened by the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, with the keynote address delivered by Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika (Rtd), CFR.

Air Marshal Aneke commended the South-East Governors’ Forum and other stakeholders for supporting the initiative, noting that despite recent security challenges, the South-East remains Nigeria’s historic industrial and commercial hub. He assured participants that the NAF, alongside sister services and other security agencies, remains resolute in ensuring that criminal elements no longer undermine the region’s peace and prosperity. Highlighting ongoing efforts, he disclosed 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. According to him, 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 thrive.

The CAS stressed that while military operations remain essential, “bombs and bullets do not address the root causes of insecurity,” underscoring the need for a whole-of-society approach to achieving lasting peace. He therefore urged governments, traditional rulers, community leaders, youth organisations and socio-cultural institutions to strengthen community engagement, mentor young people and create opportunities that discourage violence. He also encouraged residents to embrace the “If you see something, say something” principle by providing timely and actionable intelligence, while reaffirming the NAF’s commitment to civil-military cooperation through medical outreaches and other community support initiatives. Expressing confidence in the summit’s outcomes, Air Marshal Aneke said the NAF would remain vigilant and committed to restoring peace, strengthening regional stability and preserving the South-East as a thriving hub of commerce, innovation and enterprise.