The appointment of Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Sunday Aneke as the 23rd Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) ushers in a fresh era for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), one anchored on intellect, precision, and renewed dedication to national security.
President Bola Tinubu announced Aneke's elevation on Friday, describing it as a move that embodies "intellectual depth, operational precision, and an unwavering commitment to the safety of the nation."
According to his official profile released by the NAF, the new Air Chief was born on February 20, 1972, in Makurdi, Benue State, and hails from Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Aneke's early years were shaped by disciplined beginnings. He attended Army Children School, New Cantonment 'A', Kaduna (1976-1982), and later Government College, Kaduna (1982-1987). Those formative years laid the groundwork for the focus and purpose that would define his career.
He gained admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) as part of the 40th Regular Combatant Course and was commissioned into the Nigerian Air Force as a Pilot Officer on September 10, 1993.
Aneke's academic record is as impressive as his military résumé. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics, a Postgraduate Diploma in Management from the University of Calabar, and two Master's degrees -- one in International Affairs and Diplomacy from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and another in Political Economy and Development Studies from the University of Abuja.
His professional development extends beyond Nigeria's borders. He earned a certificate in Aviation Safety Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Florida, USA, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
The Air Chief's military training includes stints at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji (Junior and Senior Staff Courses), and the U.S. Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, where he also bagged a Master's degree in Strategic Studies.
Over the years, Aneke has served in numerous strategic positions -- among them Director of Policy, Director of Safety, Deputy Director of Operations at NAF Headquarters, Command Operations Officer at Tactical Air Command, and Deputy Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy.
Until his latest appointment, he was the Air Officer Commanding, Mobility Command, Yenagoa, where he boosted NAF's airlift capability, deepened joint operations with other services, and enhanced rapid deployment efficiency across theatres.
With over 4,359 flying hours to his credit, Aneke is a seasoned pilot, rated on aircraft including the Air Beetle 18, Dornier 228, Citation 500, Falcon 900, Gulfstream V, Gulfstream 550, and Hawker 4000.
His operational record includes participation in Operation Restore Hope in the Niger Delta and United Nations peacekeeping efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC), where he served as Chief of Air Operations in the Kindu Region.
He has also played a crucial role in advancing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, significantly boosting the Air Force's counter-insurgency and internal security operations.
Among his numerous awards and decorations are GSS, DSS, GSM, FCM, Psc, MSc, MIAD, MPEDS, and USAFWC -- honours that reflect his professional excellence and steadfast service.
Widely regarded as a cerebral officer and visionary leader, AVM Aneke is known for his calm demeanour, strategic insight, and humility -- qualities that align seamlessly with the Air Force's core values of discipline, courage, and excellence.
As he takes over as Nigeria's 23rd Chief of the Air Staff, expectations are high that his blend of academic prowess and operational experience will further strengthen airpower projection, intelligence-driven operations, and innovation within the NAF.
AVM Aneke is married to Mrs. Ngozi Enderline Aneke, and the couple is blessed with three sons: Chukwuebuka Kelvin, Ifeanyichukwu Brian, and Uchechukwu Jason.