The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has implemented a significant reorganisation through the redeployment of senior officers, aimed at boosting operational flexibility and leadership capabilities.
The announcement was made in a statement on Monday by Group Captain Kabiru Ali, NAF’s Deputy Spokesman, following the approval of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar.
According to the statement, the move is designed to inject fresh perspectives and enhance the strategic operations of the force.
Affected officers in this sweeping shake-up include Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding (AOC), Directors, and Commanders.
One of the notable redeployments is that of Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Olasunkanmi Abidoye, who has been reassigned from the Defence Headquarters to NAF Headquarters as the Chief of Standards and Evaluation.
AVM Adeniyi Amesinlola, previously the Commandant at the Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, has been named the Chief of Transformation and Innovation at NAF Headquarters.
Additionally, AVM Abubakar Adamu has been appointed the Group Managing Director of NAFIL Group, which oversees critical operational logistics and resource management.
Other key appointments include AVM Iboro Etukudo, who has been appointed as the Chief of Policy and Plans, and AVM Francis Edosa, who now serves as the Chief of Training and Operations.
Furthermore, AVM Dalhat Ladan has taken up the role of Chief of Air Intelligence, while AVM Suleiman Usman is now the Chief of Communication and Information Systems.
AVM Sayo Olatunde and AVM Lanre Oluwatoyin have both been posted to Defence Headquarters, with Olatunde taking up the role of Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, and Oluwatoyin now serving as the Chief of Defence Space Administration.
The redeployment also affects AVM Ibikunle Daramola, who has been reassigned from his previous role as Chief of Communication and Information Systems to the position of Chief of Civil-Military Relations.
AVM Abiola Amodu, formerly the Director-General of the Air Force Research and Development Institute, has been appointed the Chief of Aircraft Engineering, while AVM Patrick Phillips will now serve as the Chief of Logistics, a crucial position for maintaining the operational readiness of the Air Force’s fleet and equipment.
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Several Air Officers Commanding (AOC) positions have also changed hands. AVM Elijah Ebiowe has been named the new AOC for Tactical Air Command in Makurdi, and AVM Sunday Aneke has taken over as AOC of Mobility Command in Yenagoa.
In Kaduna, AVM Abubakar Abdullahi is now overseeing the Air Training Command, while AVM Adeniran Ademuwagun has been appointed as AOC of Logistics Command in Ikeja.
In a message to the newly appointed officers, Air Marshal Abubakar reiterated the strategic importance of the redeployment, stating that it was aimed at “ensuring operational flexibility and resource optimisation for enhanced effectiveness across all commands.”
He further emphasised the need for innovative thinking, remarking that, “The current security landscape demands not just experience, but also the ability to leverage critical and deep thinking in devising solutions to emerging challenges.”
The CAS highlighted that the redeployment aligns with the broader objectives of the NAF in addressing the security challenges facing the nation.
He encouraged the newly assigned officers to bring their experience and fresh perspectives to their new roles in order to ensure sustained operational effectiveness across all theatres of operation.
“This is a time for you to demonstrate leadership that is not only flexible but also strategic in addressing the complex security issues facing our country,” Air Marshal Abubakar stated.
The reorganisation is expected to have an immediate impact on the operations of the Nigerian Air Force, particularly in areas of intelligence, logistics, and tactical command, as the force continues to play a pivotal role in the nation’s fight against insurgency, banditry, and other security threats.
