Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, born on February 20, 1972, in Makurdi, Benue State, hails from Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State. He is the son of Air Warrant Officer (Rtd) Sylvester and Mrs. Ngozi Aneke.
Aneke began his educational journey at Army Children School, New Cantonment ‘A’, Kaduna (1976–1982), and later attended Government College, Kaduna (1982–1987), laying the foundation for a disciplined and purpose-driven life.
He was admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) as a member of the 40th Regular Combatant Course and commissioned into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as a Pilot Officer on September 10, 1993—a career path marked by brilliance, dedication, and steady advancement.
Academic Excellence and Professional Development
A scholar and strategic thinker, Sunday Kelvin Aneke holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics, a Postgraduate Diploma in Management from the University of Calabar, and two Master’s degrees: one in International Affairs and Diplomacy from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and another in Political Economy and Development Studies from the University of Abuja.
He also earned a Professional Certificate in Aviation Safety Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Florida, USA, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). His pursuit of knowledge demonstrates his commitment to informed leadership and adaptive strategy in modern airpower application.
Distinguished Military Career
AVM Aneke has attended prestigious military institutions, including the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, where he completed the Junior and Senior Staff Courses, and the United States Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, earning a Master’s in Strategic Studies.
His career includes key appointments such as Director of Policy, Director of Safety, Deputy Director of Operations at NAF Headquarters, Command Operations Officer at Tactical Air Command, and Deputy Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy.
Before his appointment as Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) on October 24, 2025, he served as Air Officer Commanding, Mobility Command, Yenagoa, enhancing air mobility, strengthening joint force integration, and improving NAF’s strategic response in multi-domain operations.
Operational Experience and Aviation Expertise
Aneke is an accomplished pilot with over 4,359 flying hours, type-rated on aircraft including the Air Beetle 18, Dornier 228, Citation 500, Falcon 900, Gulfstream V, Gulfstream 550, and Hawker 4000.
His operational experience spans domestic and international theatres—from Operation Restore Hope in the Niger Delta to United Nations peacekeeping operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC), where he served as Chief of Air Operations, Kindu Region. His leadership in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations has strengthened NAF’s counter-insurgency capabilities.
Awards, Recognition, and Leadership Style
AVM Aneke is decorated with numerous medals and honours, including GSS, DSS, GSM, FCM, Psc, MSc, MIAD, MPEDS, and USAFWC. He is widely regarded as a visionary leader, professional aviator, and officer of exceptional integrity.
Known for his calm disposition, strategic foresight, and results-oriented leadership, Sunday Kelvin Aneke commands respect both within and beyond the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Vision as Chief of the Air Staff
As the 23rd Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Kelvin Aneke brings unparalleled experience, intellectual depth, and operational dexterity. Under his leadership, the NAF is expected to strengthen airpower projection, deepen intelligence-led operations, and drive innovation in defence technology and human capacity development.
Personal Life
AVM Aneke is married to Mrs. Ngozi Enderline Aneke, and they are blessed with three sons: Chukwuebuka Kelvin, Ifeanyichukwu Brian, and Uchechukwu Jason.
With a deep sense of duty, humility, and service, Sunday Kelvin Aneke embodies the highest ideals of the Nigerian Air Force: discipline, courage, and excellence, as he leads the Service into a new era of smarter airpower delivery and enduring national security.
