CAS Aneke Bags DECAN Award for Air Force Contributions to Counterterrorism

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has received an award from the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) in recognition of the Nigerian Air Force’s contributions to counterterrorism and other security operations across the country.

Aneke who was represented at the award ceremony by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, received the recognition on his behalf.

The award was presented at DECAN’s 2nd Annual Conference and Awards Ceremony, held in Abuja on Monday, October 12, 2026.The conference, themed “Beyond Kinetic Warfare: Harnessing Technology and Intelligence-Led Operations for Nigeria’s National Security,” brought together military leaders, defence officials and journalists to examine strategies for addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

Aneke’s recognition highlighted the Nigerian Air Force’s role in supporting counterterrorism operations through precision air strikes, aerial surveillance, intelligence gathering and coordinated missions against terrorist elements.

The Air Force’s capabilities have continued to provide critical support to ground troops, improve situational awareness and strengthen the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in tackling terrorism and other security threats.

The award also acknowledged efforts under Aneke’s leadership to advance precision air operations and mitigate civilian harm during military missions, alongside sustained operations against terrorist enclaves in northern Nigeria and illegal oil-refining sites in the South-South.

At the conference, participants called for increased investment in advanced surveillance systems, artificial intelligence, geospatial intelligence and real-time information sharing to improve threat detection and operational decision-making. They emphasised that technological innovation must be supported by adequate personnel training, reliable equipment and effective coordination among security agencies to achieve meaningful operational gains.

The conference also examined the role of defence correspondents in promoting public understanding of military operations while upholding professionalism, accuracy and responsible reporting.

The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd.), who was honoured as Grand Patron of DECAN, urged journalists to balance their responsibility to hold public institutions accountable with the need to protect operational security. He cautioned against publishing unverified reports and sensitive information capable of compromising military missions or endangering personnel.

The discussions underscored the importance of cooperation between the military and the media in promoting public awareness of security operations without undermining national security objectives.

Aneke’s recognition comes as the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies continue efforts to strengthen intelligence-led operations, modernise military capabilities and improve responses to terrorism and other security challenges across the country.