The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s strong commitment to African-led security cooperation as a key strategy for combating terrorism and insurgency across the continent.
African Air Chiefs’ Symposium in Tunis
He made this known while chairing the 2026 African Air Chiefs’ Symposium in Tunis, Tunisia, organized under the framework of the Association of African Air Forces. The high-level meeting brought together Air Chiefs, senior military officials, and security partners from across Africa to strengthen collaboration in airpower development, interoperability, and coordinated operational responses.
Emphasis on Regional Ownership
Air Marshal Aneke emphasized that Africa must take greater ownership of its security challenges through stronger regional partnerships, improved intelligence sharing, and unified operational strategies. According to him, these measures are essential to effectively counter terrorism, insurgency, and other emerging threats that continue to undermine peace and stability across the continent.
Efforts to Enhance Joint Readiness
He also highlighted ongoing efforts within the Association to enhance joint readiness, deepen military cooperation, and improve coordinated responses to both security and humanitarian operations across member states.
Bilateral and Multilateral Engagements
On the sidelines of the symposium, the CAS held bilateral and multilateral engagements with partner air forces and international stakeholders, focusing on expanded cooperation in training, joint exercises, intelligence sharing, and counter-terrorism operations.
Re-election as Chairman
At the closing session, Air Marshal Aneke was unanimously re-elected as Chairman of the Association of African Air Forces for another two-year term, reflecting renewed confidence in his leadership and Nigeria’s role in driving African-led security solutions against terrorism and insecurity.
