Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, appointed as Nigeria’s Chief of Air Staff on October 24, 2025, stands out as the prominent Igbo officer among President Bola Tinubu’s newly appointed service chiefs in a major military leadership overhaul. Born on February 20, 1972, in Makurdi, Benue State, Aneke is ethnically from Udi Local Government Area, Enugu State, and is the son of Air Warrant Officer Sylvester and Mrs. Ngozi Aneke.
Aneke's distinguished military career began with his admission to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in 1988 as part of the 40th Regular Course, commissioning as a pilot officer in 1993. His academic credentials are impressive, holding a Bachelor of Science in Physics, a Postgraduate Diploma in Management from the University of Calabar, and master's degrees in International Affairs and Diplomacy from Ahmadu Bello University, Political Economy and Development Studies from the University of Abuja, as well as a Master’s in Strategic Studies from the United States Air War College.
Operationally, Aneke is an accomplished pilot with over 4,359 flying hours on a range of aircraft including Air Beetle series, Dornier 228, Citation 500, Falcon 900, Gulfstream V and 550, and Hawker 4000. His service record spans key assignments such as Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions in Nigeria’s Niger Delta (Operation Restore Hope) and United Nations peacekeeping operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he was Chief of Air Operations in the Kindu Region. His leadership roles include Director of Policy and Safety, Deputy Director of Operations at NAF Headquarters, and Air Officer Commanding Mobility Command in Yenagoa.
Aneke’s appointment as Chief of Air Staff is marked by recognition of his strategic foresight, calm demeanor, and commitment to operational excellence. As the 23rd Chief of Air Staff, he is expected to bring innovation, strengthen intelligence-led operations, and advance Nigeria Air Force’s capabilities in national security amid ongoing security challenges. Married to Mrs. Ngozi Enderline Aneke, the couple has three sons.
This appointment not only represents Tinubu’s intent to reinforce the military hierarchy with competent and diverse leadership but also highlights Aneke as a key figure representing the Igbo community in Nigeria’s defense architecture.