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The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has advocated greater intelligence sharing, inter-agency collaboration and the effective deployment of air power as critical tools for tackling Nigeria’s rapidly evolving security challenges.
Speaking at the National Defence College (NDC), Abuja, during a lecture to participants of Course 34 on Friday, the Air Chief said modern security threats have become increasingly sophisticated, requiring seamless cooperation among the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and other security institutions.
The lecture, titled “Air Power and National Security: The Nigerian Air Force in Perspective”, attracted senior officers of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, officials from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as 20 international participants from allied countries.
Air Marshal Aneke said contemporary security threats, including terrorism, banditry, separatist violence, transnational organised crime and other non-state actors, have evolved significantly, with perpetrators increasingly exploiting technology, cyberspace and difficult terrain to frustrate security operations.
He explained that addressing such threats requires intelligence-led operations supported by the integration of information from air, land, maritime, cyber and human intelligence sources to enable rapid and coordinated responses.
According to the Air Chief, air power has become indispensable to modern military operations because of its ability to provide speed, flexibility, precision and extensive operational reach.
He noted that the Nigerian Air Force continues to deploy these capabilities in intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance, rapid troop deployment, border security, maritime protection and precision strikes against criminal elements while minimising collateral damage.
Air Marshal Aneke stressed that effective national security cannot be achieved by a single military service acting alone.
“No single Service can secure the nation alone. Decisive air power delivers its greatest effect in synergy with surface forces,” he said.
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He added that closer cooperation among the military, intelligence community and other security agencies remains essential to overcoming the country’s complex security challenges.
The Chief of the Air Staff also warned that emerging threats such as cybercrime, information warfare, the proliferation of unmanned aerial systems, piracy and illegal arms trafficking are reshaping Nigeria’s security environment.
He cautioned that hostile groups increasingly exploit social media and digital platforms to spread disinformation, incite division and undermine public trust in government institutions, making cyber resilience and strategic communication vital components of national defence.
Reflecting on the Nigerian Air Force’s operational journey over the past six decades, Air Marshal Aneke said continuous investment in indigenous technology, innovation, logistics support and force modernisation has significantly strengthened the Service’s operational capabilities.
He reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to expanding its intelligence capabilities, embracing emerging technologies and building stronger strategic partnerships to maintain a highly responsive and mission-ready Air Force.
The Air Chief further observed that national security extends beyond protecting the country’s territorial boundaries to preserving democratic governance, safeguarding critical infrastructure, promoting economic development and ensuring the safety of citizens.
He urged participants of the National Defence College to embrace innovation, professionalism and jointness as future strategic leaders responsible for shaping Nigeria’s security architecture.
The lecture formed part of the Nigerian Air Force’s broader efforts to promote strategic thinking, deepen joint military cooperation and strengthen the role of air power in advancing Nigeria’s national interests, regional stability and international peace support operations.
