CAS urges military leaders to strengthen inter-service, international cooperation
The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has urged military commanders to build trust across the Services and with partner nations, describing it as the cornerstone of successful joint operations and long-term military effectiveness.
Air Marshal Aneke made the call on Monday while delivering a lecture titled “Military Strategic Leadership: My Perspective” to participants of Air War Course 12/2026 at the Air Force War College Nigeria (AFWCN), Makurdi.
The participants comprised senior officers from the Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Army and Nigerian Navy, as well as allied officers from Botswana, Cameroon, Ghana and the Kingdom of Morocco.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Air Chief stressed that today’s complex and evolving security environment requires leaders with foresight, adaptability, and a collaborative mindset capable of delivering decisive military outcomes.
He underscored the importance of strategic leadership, jointness and innovation as critical drivers of operational effectiveness, noting that synergy among the Armed Forces remains indispensable to mission success in contemporary warfare.
“Synergy is not optional; it is a strategic necessity,” Air Marshal Aneke said.
The CAS explained that integrated planning and coordinated execution enable commanders to achieve effects beyond the capability of any single Service. He added that the deliberate integration of air power with land and maritime forces enhances operational effectiveness and remains central to addressing modern security challenges.
He further encouraged military leaders to strengthen trust and cooperation among the Services and with international partners, noting that such relationships provide the foundation for successful joint operations and enduring military effectiveness.
Highlighting his Command Philosophy, Air Marshal Aneke said it is centred on building a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering effective air power in synergy with surface forces to achieve national security objectives.
He explained that this vision is being pursued through mission-focused training, personnel development, innovation, strategic partnerships and a proactive approach to maintaining operational readiness.
The Air Chief also emphasised the importance of long-term thinking in military leadership.
“Strategic leadership depends on policy foresight rather than reactive decision-making,” he said, stressing the need to prepare military leaders for future security challenges rather than merely responding to emerging threats.
On the human dimension of military capability, Air Marshal Aneke reminded participants that the true strength of any Air Force ultimately lies in its personnel.
He urged the officers to cultivate strategic thinking, ethical leadership, emotional intelligence and a lifelong commitment to professional development, stressing that investment in people remains fundamental to operational excellence and mission success.
