The appointment of Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke as the 23rd Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) marks the beginning of a new and promising era in the history of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF)—an era defined by intellectual depth, operational precision, and renewed commitment to national security and excellence in airpower delivery.
Born on 20 February 1972 in Makurdi, Benue State, and hailing from Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, Air Vice Marshal Aneke’s story is one of discipline, intellect, and dedication to service. The son of Air Warrant Officer (Rtd) Sylvester and Mrs Ngozi Aneke, he began his educational journey at Army Children School, New Cantonment ‘A’, Kaduna (1976–1982) and later attended Government College, Kaduna (1982–1987). His admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy as a member of the 40th Regular Combatant Course set him on a path of excellence that saw him commissioned into the Nigerian Air Force as a Pilot Officer on 10 September 1993.An erudite scholar and visionary leader, AVM Aneke holds a B.Sc. in Physics, a Postgraduate Diploma in Management from the University of Calabar, and two Master’s Degrees — in International Affairs and Diplomacy (Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria) and Political Economy and Development Studies (University of Abuja). He also obtained a Professional Certificate in Aviation Safety Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Florida, USA, and is currently pursuing a PhD. His academic and professional pursuits reflect his belief in adaptive leadership and the power of knowledge in modern military strategy.
Over the years, Air Vice Marshal Aneke has attended some of the most prestigious military institutions, including the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, where he completed both the Junior and Senior Staff Courses, and the United States Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, where he earned a Master’s in Strategic Studies. His impressive career spans numerous command, instructional, and policy appointments — among them Director of Policy, Director of Safety, Deputy Director of Operations at NAF Headquarters, Command Operations Officer, Tactical Air Command, and Deputy Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy. Before his new appointment, he served as Air Officer Commanding, Mobility Command, Yenagoa, where he significantly improved NAF’s air mobility, joint operations, and strategic response capabilities.A highly skilled pilot with over 4,359 flying hours, AVM 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 covers both domestic and international assignments — from Operation Restore Hope in the Niger Delta to United Nations peacekeeping operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC), where he served as Chief of Air Operations, Kindu Region. His pivotal role in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) has strengthened NAF’s counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations nationwide
Decorated with numerous medals and professional honours — GSS, DSS, GSM, FCM, Psc, MSc, MIAD, MPEDS, and USAFWC — Air Vice Marshal Aneke is admired as a disciplined officer, refined strategist, and exemplary aviator. His calm composure, intellectual rigour, and mission-driven leadership have earned him respect within the Armed Forces and among defence professionals globally.As he takes the helm of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke brings unmatched experience, vision, and operational acumen to the role. His leadership promises to deepen intelligence-led operations, drive technological innovation, and enhance the Service’s effectiveness in confronting terrorism, insurgency, and emerging security threats.
A devoted family man, Air Vice Marshal Aneke is married to Mrs Ngozi Enderline Aneke, and their union is blessed with three sons — Chukwuebuka Kelvin, Ifeanyichukwu Brian, and Uchechukwu Jason. His humility, integrity, and dedication to national service embody the finest traditions of the Nigerian Air Force. As he leads the Service into a new era, AVM Aneke stands as a beacon of courage, professionalism, and excellence — truly, the face of a smarter and stronger Air Force for Nigeria.
