The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has urged future military commanders to prioritise joint operations, describing synergy among the Armed Forces as essential for mission success in today’s complex security environment.
Speaking during a lecture titled “Military Strategic Leadership: My Perspective” to participants of Air War Course 12/2026 at the Air Force War College Nigeria (AFWCN), Makurdi, on Monday, Aneke said effective collaboration among the Services was no longer optional but a strategic imperative.
The participants comprised senior officers from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force, as well as allied officers from Botswana, Cameroon, Ghana and the Kingdom of Morocco.
“Synergy is not optional; it is a strategic necessity,” the CAS said, noting that the deliberate integration of airpower with surface forces enhances operational effectiveness and enables commanders to achieve results beyond the capability of any single Service.
Highlighting his command philosophy, Aneke said the Nigerian Air Force remained committed to building a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering effective airpower in concert with surface forces to achieve national security objectives.
He said the vision was being driven through mission-focused training, personnel development, innovation and strategic partnerships, adding that strategic leadership requires policy foresight rather than reactive decision-making.
The Air Chief also urged the participants to cultivate ethical leadership, emotional intelligence and a commitment to continuous professional development, stressing that personnel remain the decisive factor in military capability and that trust among the Services is vital for successful joint operations.
The lecture ended with an interactive session during which participants discussed strategic leadership, joint operations and future warfare with the CAS.
According to the Nigerian Air Force, the engagement reinforced the importance of interoperability, joint force integration and continuous leadership development in strengthening mission readiness and preparing future commanders to deliver decisive airpower alongside sister Services and international partners.
