Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has urged a unified front between public officials, law enforcement, traditional leaders, and residents to resolve the ongoing security issues in the South-East. Speaking at the 2026 South-East Regional Security Summit in Umuahia, he emphasized that military force alone cannot resolve fundamental instability.
The event, organized by Minister of Defence Gen. Christopher Musa and featuring remarks from former Army Chief Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, served as a platform to highlight the region’s commercial importance. Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame confirmed the summit was held to foster long-term stability.
Aneke noted that while the Nigerian Air Force is actively using surveillance and air support to dismantle criminal networks, lasting peace requires a societal shift. He called upon community members to provide actionable intelligence and encouraged leaders to focus on youth empowerment and mentorship to prevent criminal recruitment.
The Air Chief underscored that the military operates to protect the citizenry, not to occupy the region. He pledged that the Air Force would continue to prioritize civil-military cooperation through aid programs, reaffirming that public trust and local support are essential for lasting security success in the region.
