By Isiaka Mustapha, Chief Opwerating Officer/Editor-In-Chief, People’s Security Monitor

Born on February 20, 1972, in Makurdi, Benue State, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the 23rd Chief of the Air Staff, hails from Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State. He is the son of Air Warrant Officer (Rtd.) Sylvester Aneke and Mrs. Ngozi Aneke, whose discipline and moral guidance shaped his early passion for excellence, patriotism, and service to the nation.

He began his educational journey at Army Children School, New Cantonment A, Kaduna (1976–1982) and proceeded to Government College, Kaduna (1982–1987). Motivated by a deep commitment to national service, he gained admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy as a member of the 40th Regular Combatant Course and was commissioned into the Nigerian Air Force as a Pilot Officer on September 10, 1993.

Air Vice Marshal Aneke holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics, a Postgraduate Diploma in Management from the University of Calabar, and two Master’s Degrees, one in International Affairs and Diplomacy from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and another in Political Economy and Development Studies from the University of Abuja. He also earned a Professional Certificate in Aviation Safety Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Florida, USA, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

His passion for continuous learning and excellence has taken him through some of the most prestigious military institutions in the world. He completed both the Junior and Senior Staff Courses at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, and graduated from the United States Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, earning a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies.

Throughout his distinguished career, Air Vice Marshal Aneke has held key command, instructional, and policy positions that refined his operational insight and strategic foresight. His appointments include Director of Policy, Director of Safety, Deputy Director of Operations at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters, Command Operations Officer at Tactical Air Command, and Deputy Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy.

Before his elevation as the 23rd Chief of the Air Staff, he served as Air Officer Commanding, Mobility Command, Yenagoa, where he enhanced air mobility operations, deepened joint force integration, and improved the Nigerian Air Force’s strategic response capabilities across multiple operational domains.

An accomplished pilot with over 4,359 flying hours, Air Vice Marshal Aneke is type-rated on several aircraft, including the Air Beetle 18, Dornier 228, Citation 500, Falcon 900, Gulfstream V, Gulfstream 550, and Hawker 4000. His operational experience spans both domestic and international missions, from Operation Restore Hope in the Niger Delta to United Nations peacekeeping operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he served as Chief of Air Operations in the Kindu Region. His contributions to intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations have greatly enhanced Nigeria’s counter-insurgency and airpower effectiveness.

Decorated with numerous honours and medals, including GSS, DSS, GSM, FCM, Psc, MSc, MIAD, MPEDS, and USAFWC, Air Vice Marshal Aneke exemplifies resilience, discipline, and professional excellence. His calm disposition, analytical mind, and firm decision-making have earned him a reputation as a reform-driven leader with a vision for modernization and efficiency.

As Nigeria’s new Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Aneke has already signalled his intention to introduce far-reaching reforms that will transform the Nigerian Air Force into a more efficient, accountable, and technology-driven institution. His agenda focuses on enhancing operational readiness, optimizing resource management, strengthening training and welfare, and leveraging innovation for sustainable airpower development.

Under his leadership, the Nigerian Air Force is expected to witness a new era of efficiency, discipline, and high productivity, with renewed emphasis on safety, professionalism, and inter-agency collaboration.

Air Vice Marshal Aneke is happily married to Mrs. Ngozi Enderline Aneke, and their marriage is blessed with three sons, Chukwuebuka Kelvin, Ifeanyichukwu Brian, and Uchechukwu Jason.

Through resilience, professionalism, and visionary leadership, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke continues to inspire a new generation of airmen and women committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s skies. His appointment represents not just a change in command but a promise of reform, renewal, and excellence in the Nigerian Air Force.