CAS reinforces logistics readiness, deepens partnership, commissions welfare projects

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has reinforced the central role of logistics and personnel welfare in sustaining Nigeria’s airpower, as he commenced a three-day operational visit to the Logistics Command, Lagos, beginning Monday, February 2, 2026. 

The visit was aimed at assessing the readiness of personnel, equipment and critical facilities supporting ongoing counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations across the country. The CAS stressed that modern warfare places premium value on efficient logistics systems, noting that sustained air operations depend largely on a resilient supply chain, effective maintenance architecture and a motivated workforce.

According to him, operational success is inseparable from logistics strength, adding that the tempo and reach of Nigerian Air Force operations nationwide are sustained by a robust logistics framework capable of supporting diverse missions.

As part of the visit, the CAS paid a courtesy call on the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, where he reaffirmed the enduring strategic partnership between the Nigerian Air Force and the Lagos State Government. He described Lagos as pivotal to the operational framework of the Service, hosting the Logistics Command and several key NAF establishments that support air operations nationwide.

.“Lagos remains central to our capacity to project airpower nationwide. The efficiency of our operations is closely linked to the stability, cooperation and strong support we continue to enjoy within the state,” the CAS said, commending the governor’s leadership and investments in infrastructure and security. He noted that a secure Lagos is critical to Nigeria’s economic stability and national development.

In his response, Governor Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to close collaboration with the Armed Forces, stressing that security remains fundamental to economic growth and social stability. He assured that Lagos would continue to work hand in hand with the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies to safeguard lives, property and the strategic importance of the state.

The CAS also acknowledged the effective synergy between the Nigerian Air Force and Lagos State under joint security initiatives, particularly Operation MESA, where air surveillance and intelligence capabilities complement the efforts of sister services and other security agencies, strengthening the state’s overall security architecture.

At the commissioning of newly completed infrastructure projects at 055 NAF Camp, Legico Barracks, the CAS reiterated that personnel welfare remains a strategic pillar of operational readiness. He said the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to welfare is deliberate, stressing that a motivated force is fundamental to mission success.

“Our commitment to personnel welfare is unwavering. These projects reflect our command philosophy of sustaining a professional, mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower effects in synergy with surface forces,” he stated, adding that the growing logistics demands of counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations require sustained investment in welfare-supporting infrastructure

The commissioned facilities include two blocks of 24 two-bedroom flats, a block of 40 one-bedroom flats, and a purpose-built sports complex designed to promote fitness and overall wellbeing. The CAS described the development as a significant upgrade to traditional barracks standards, noting that Legico Barracks situated in a prime residential area of Lagos now ranks among the most dignified residential environments for service personnel nationwide. 

“Adequate housing reduces welfare pressures, stabilises the home front and allows our personnel to focus fully on operational duties,” he said, while commending his predecessor, Air Marshal H.B. Abubakar (rtd), for initiating the project. He urged beneficiaries to uphold discipline and a strong culture of ownership.

The CAS expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and the National Assembly for sustained fiscal support, and specifically thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering backing of the Nigerian Air Force. He charged officers, airmen and airwomen to remain disciplined ambassadors of the Service and to maintain harmonious relations with host communities and sister security agencies.

He concluded that the visit reflects a deliberate integration of logistics readiness, welfare investment and intergovernmental cooperation as a unified force multiplier, reaffirming the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to remaining agile, resilient and fully mission-ready in defence of national security.