Nigeria’s Chiefs of Air Staff: NAF Leadership from 1963 to Present
With the appointment of Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke as Nigeria’s 23rd Chief of Air Staff (CAS) in October 2025 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) continues its tradition of strategic leadership and aerial excellence.
PRNigeria reports that from its inception in 1963 with foreign assistance to its current status as a regional air power, the office of the CAS has been central to Nigeria’s defence evolution.
Founding the Skies: The Early Years (1963–1969)
Colonel Gerhard Kahtz (1963–1965) and Colonel Wolfgang Thimmig (1965–1966), both German officers, were instrumental in establishing the Nigerian Air Force, laying its operational and training foundations.
Lt. Col. George T. Kurubo (1966–1967) became the first Nigerian to hold the position, marking a shift toward indigenous command.
Colonel Shittu Alao (1967–1969) led the Air Force during the Nigerian Civil War, expanding its tactical capabilities.
Consolidation and Growth (1969–1999)
Brigadier Emmanuel E. Ikwue (1969–1975) and AVM John Nmadu Yisa-Doko (1975–1980) oversaw modernisation and regional engagement.
AVM Abdullahi Dominic Bello (1980–1983) and Air Marshal Ibrahim Mahmud Alfa (1984–1990) strengthened air mobility and defence infrastructure.
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AVM Nuraini Oladimeji Yussuff (1990–1992) and Air Marshal Akin Dada (1992) served during a politically volatile period.
AVM Femi John Femi (1992–1996) and Air Marshal Nsikak-Abasi Eduok (1996–1999) led during Nigeria’s transition from military to civilian rule.
Democratic Era and Strategic Expansion (1999–2021)
Air Marshal Isaac Alfa (1999–2001) and Air Marshal Jonah Wuyep (2001–2006) focused on regional peacekeeping and airlift capacity.
Air Marshal Paul Dike (2006–2008) and Air Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin (2008–2010) introduced reforms in air surveillance and logistics.
Air Marshal Mohammed Dikko Umar (2010–2012) and Air Marshal Alex Badeh (2012–2014) enhanced aerial intelligence and combat readiness.
Air Marshal Adesola Amosu (2014–2015) and Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar (2015–2021) led during Nigeria’s intensified counterinsurgency operations, notably against Boko Haram.
Modernisation and Tactical Precision (2021–Present)
Air Marshal Isiaka Amao (2021–2023) and Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar (2023–2025) focused on drone integration, pilot training, and regional air defence.
Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke (2025–Present), the current CAS, is expected to usher in a new era of technological innovation, strategic partnerships, and enhanced airspace security.
Charting the Future
From foreign-led beginnings to indigenous command excellence, Nigeria’s Chiefs of Air Staff have shaped the NAF into a formidable force. As AVM Aneke takes the helm, the Air Force is poised to soar higher—defending Nigeria’s skies with precision, professionalism, and pride.
