Chief of Air Staff Spends Christmas with Frontline Troops, Praises Their Sacrifice

By Zainab Uzomah

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, marked Christmas Day at various frontline locations, sharing a festive luncheon with Nigerian Air Force personnel deployed across the country’s operational theatres.

According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the CAS used the visits to boost morale and recognise the sacrifices of personnel who spent the festive season on duty rather than with their families. He described the gesture as part of ongoing efforts to sustain troop motivation and demonstrate leadership presence at the frontlines.

Air Marshal Aneke commended the professionalism and dedication of officers, airmen and airwomen, telling them they remained “the pride of the nation” for ensuring that Nigerians celebrated the season in peace. He said celebrating Christmas at the frontlines symbolised patriotism and selfless service.

The engagements were conducted simultaneously in multiple locations, including Kainji, Katsina, Maiduguri, Port Harcourt, Makurdi, Kaduna and Enugu, where senior officers conveyed the CAS’s goodwill message while hosting troops in each area of responsibility.

Across the various theatres, the Air Chief reaffirmed the operational importance of maintaining vigilance during festive periods, saying such presence sends a strong message that the Air Force remains alert and committed to denying criminal elements any opportunity to destabilise communities. He also restated that personnel welfare remains central to his command philosophy, pledging continuous improvements in logistics support, accommodation, healthcare and other welfare initiatives.

Troops expressed appreciation for the visit, describing the luncheon as a strong morale booster and an assurance that their efforts are recognised at the highest levels of command.