NAF Redeploys Senior Officers, Appoints New Commanders

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has approved a major redeployment of senior officers, appointing new commanders and principal staff officers across its operational commands, headquarters, military training institutions and strategic defence establishments.

The exercise, approved on November 7, 2026, by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, involves the redeployment of 41 Air Vice Marshals. It is aimed at strengthening command effectiveness, improving institutional capacity and sustaining operational readiness.

The Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, announced the appointments in a statement on Sunday, November 8.

Under the new arrangement, Air Vice Marshal NI Ilo has been appointed Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Tactical Air Command, while AVM BR Mamman becomes AOC, Mobility Command. AVM OS Ogunsina takes charge of Logistics Command, AVM MN Onyebashi heads Special Operations Command, while AVM FCS Nwakara becomes AOC, Ground Training Command.

At the NAF Headquarters, AVM NN Ananaba has been appointed Chief of Operations, AVM PN Amadi becomes Chief of Air Intelligence, while AVM EE Efiom takes charge as Chief of Training. Other appointments include AVM AK Ademuwagun as Chief of Transformation and Innovation and AVM AJ Laoye as Chief of Aircraft Engineering.

The reshuffle also affects key military institutions. AVM PB Philips has been appointed Commandant of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, while AVM MC Ekwueme becomes Commandant of the Armed Forces Resettlement Centre. AVM AO Akinbunwa takes charge of the Air Force War College, while AVM OC Ubadike becomes Commandant of the Air Force Institute of Technology.

At Defence Headquarters, AVM UK Abdullahi has been appointed Director of Defence Operations, while AVM I Sani becomes Deputy Chief of Defence Intelligence. AVM EOE Ebiowe moves to the Office of the National Security Adviser as Deputy Coordinator, National Intelligence.

Other appointments include AVM JI Ukeh as Commander of the Nigerian Air Defence Corps and AVM GI Jibia as Deputy Force Commander of Operation Hadin Kai.

The Chief of the Air Staff expressed confidence that the officers’ professional competence and experience would strengthen the service’s contribution to joint military operations and national security.

All affected officers are expected to complete their handover and takeover formalities on or before November 13, 2026.