The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, on Thursday reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) unwavering commitment to sustaining peace and security and called for stronger collaboration among governments, security agencies, traditional institutions, and local communities to address the root of insecurity in the country. 

The CAS made the call while speaking during the South-East Regional Security Summit 2026, held in Umuahia, Abia State, under the theme “Collaborative Approaches to Strengthening Security and Regional Stability.” 

The summit was convened by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, while the keynote address was delivered by Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika (Retd). 

Speaking at the summit, Air Marshal Aneke described the gathering as a demonstration of collective resolve to restore lasting peace, stability, and economic prosperity to the region. He commended the South-East Governors’ Forum and other stakeholders for supporting the initiative.

He noted that the South-East remained Nigeria’s historic industrial and commercial hub despite recent security challenges.

He assured participants that the Nigerian Air Force, alongside sister services and other security agencies, remained resolute in ensuring that criminal elements no longer undermine the peace and prosperity of the region.

According to him, “the Nigerian Air Force, along with its sister services and other security agencies, stands firmly with you in fighting insecurity. We are dedicated to ensuring that criminal elements no longer take the peace and economy of this region for granted.”

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While highlighting ongoing efforts to end the security challenges in the country, the CAS noted that the Armed Forces of Nigeria have intensified joint operations across the region, with the NAF providing critical Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR); precision air interdictions; and close air support to surface forces. 

The CAS explained that these coordinated operations have significantly degraded the mobility and operational capacity of criminal elements while creating a safer environment for communities and economic activities to flourish.

The Air Chief, however, stressed that enduring peace cannot be achieved through military action alone. 

According to him, “bombs and bullets do not address the root causes of insecurity. While military operations are necessary to create a secure environment, true and enduring peace requires a whole-of-society approach,” he said. 

He therefore urged governments, traditional rulers, community leaders, youth organisations and socio-cultural institutions to strengthen community engagement, actively mentor young people and create opportunities that discourage vulnerable youths from embracing violence.

The CAS, who  appealed to residents of the South-East to support security efforts through timely and actionable intelligence, urged them to embrace the “If you see something, say something” principle. 

He reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to civil-military cooperation through medical outreaches and other community support initiatives designed to strengthen trust and deepen the partnership between the Armed Forces and the people. 

According to him, “We are not an occupying force; we are your sons, daughters, brothers, and sisters, dedicated to protecting the territorial integrity of our homeland.”

Air Marshal Aneke expressed confidence that the summit would produce practical strategies to consolidate peace, stimulate economic growth and preserve the South-East’s position as a hub of commerce, innovation, and enterprise. 

While reaffirming the NAF’s commitment to the region, he declared: “Together, we will keep the South-East a thriving hub of commerce, innovation and peace. The Nigerian Air Force will continue to stay vigilant and committed to restoring peace and security to every inch of the South-East and Nigeria as a whole.”