CAS Aneke celebrates Christmas with troops on frontline

Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, marked this year’s Christmas festive season with Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel deployed on the frontline, as he shared a special luncheon with troops and commended their resilience and vigilance across all the operational theatres nationwide during the period

This was contained in a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja by the Spokesperson of the Service Air Commodre Ehimen Ejodame

According to the statement, “the CAS luncheon afforded close interaction of serving and retired senior officers as well as other critical security stakeholders with the frontline officers, airmen, and airwomen”.

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It stated that while addressing personnel across the various theatres, the CAS reaffirmed the operational significance of their presence during the festive period.

He noted, “Your vigilance during this season sends a clear message that the Nigerian Air Force remains alert, resolute, and fully committed to denying criminal elements any respite, regardless of the time or season.”

He added that the dedication of frontline troops continues to reassure Nigerians and strengthen confidence in ongoing security efforts nationwide.

While reiterating his Command Philosophy, the CAS emphasised that troop welfare remained central to mission success.

According to him, “Operational effectiveness is sustained by motivated and well-supported personnel,” he said, assuring that the Nigerian Air Force would continue to prioritise improved living conditions, logistics support, medical care, and timely welfare initiatives to enhance morale and combat readiness across all theatres.

The statement added that the Christmas Day engagements were met with overwhelmingly positive responses from the troops, who expressed appreciation for the CAS’s thoughtful gesture as many described the luncheon as a morale-boosting reminder that their sacrifices were recognised at the highest levels of command and reaffirming their resolve to remain disciplined, committed, and mission-focused in the defence of Nigeria throughout the festive season and beyond.