Air force promotes 19 officers to air vice-marshal, 33 to air commodore

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) council has approved the promotion of 19 air vice-marshals (AVMs) and 33 air commodores (air cadres).

Kabiru Ali, deputy director of public relations and information for the Air Force, said in a statement on Friday that the promotion reflects NAF’s commitment to rewarding excellence, dedication, and outstanding service.

Ali said the newly promoted senior officers have demonstrated exceptional leadership, professional competence, and dedication to duty in various operational and administrative roles.

He said their promotion underscores NAF’s ongoing drive to strengthen its command structure and operational readiness.

Those promoted from the rank of air commodores to AVM include Osichinaka Ubadike, Olusola Akinboyewa, Olasunkanmi Abu, Yohanna Katabiya, Nosiru Folaji, David Pwajok, Albert Bot, Ibitayo Ajiboye, Mikail Abdulraheem, Kennedy Mataluwo, and Gbolahan Oremosu.

Others are Ayodele Hamidu, Mohammed Omar, Atang Sambo, Jibrin Usman, Ernest Owai, Adindu Ekwuribe, Garuba Bello, and Muhammed Isah.

Officers promoted from the rank of group captain to air commodore include Abdulahi Abu, Sani Ma’aji, Olamiju Obasa, Eyo Benson, Bashiru Amunemi, Nuhu Hassan, Oluwasegun Okeniyi, Abang Oyong, Eze Onu, Folarin Agbebi, Mohammed Aliyu, and Muzamil Muhammed.

Others are Ibrahim Musa, Nkechi Esionye-Uzodinma, Rapheal Garba, Daniel Komo, Eric Kpokpogri, Bature Usman, Adebunmi Ola, and Dooyum Laha.

Bello Argungu, Bello Aliyu, Ahmed Saidu, Isiaka Yakubu, Abba Muhammed, Olusoji Olarenwaju, Joshua Nalazai, Kingsley Obi, Hafsat Ali, Ademola Adejimi, Abdullahi Abubakar, Ayuba Abubakar, and Mustapha Elkhojah.

Hasan Abubakar, the chief of the air staff (COAS), congratulated the promoted officers and urged them to see their new ranks as a call to greater service and responsibility.

He reaffirmed the air council’s resolve to recognise hard work, professionalism, and loyalty in advancing the NAF’s mission to defend the nation’s territorial integrity.

Ali said the decoration ceremony for the newly promoted officers will be held at a later date.