Aneke Calls for Stronger Collaboration to Tackle Insecurity in South-East
Aneke Calls for Stronger Collaboration to Tackle Insecurity in South-East
Aneke Calls for Stronger Collaboration to Tackle Insecurity in South-East
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) commitment to sustaining peace and security across the South-East, while calling for stronger collaboration among governments, security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities to address the underlying causes of insecurity.
Air Marshal Aneke made the call on July 30, 2026, at 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 former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika (Rtd.), CFR.
Speaking at the summit, the CAS described the gathering as a demonstration of the collective determination of stakeholders 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, noting that the region remains one of Nigeria’s major industrial and commercial centres despite the security challenges it has faced in recent years.
Aneke assured participants that the NAF, working with the other services and security agencies, would continue to intensify efforts to prevent criminal elements from undermining the peace, safety and economic activities of communities across the region.
“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,” he said.
NAF Intensifies Joint Operations
The Air Chief highlighted ongoing joint security operations across the South-East, noting that the Nigerian Air Force continues to provide critical Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, precision air interdiction and close air support to ground forces.
According to him, the coordinated operations have helped degrade the mobility and operational capabilities of criminal elements while creating a safer environment for communities, businesses and other economic activities.
However, Air Marshal Aneke stressed that military action alone cannot guarantee sustainable peace, urging stakeholders to adopt a whole-of-society approach to tackling insecurity.
“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 called on state governments, traditional rulers, community leaders, youth organisations and socio-cultural institutions to strengthen community engagement, mentor young people and create meaningful opportunities that would discourage vulnerable youths from embracing violence.
Aneke Urges Residents to Support Security Agencies
The CAS also appealed to residents across the South-East to support security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence on suspicious activities.
He encouraged members of the public to embrace the principle of “If you see something, say something,” stressing that community cooperation remains essential to preventing and responding effectively to security threats.
Aneke further reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to civil-military cooperation through medical outreaches and other community support initiatives aimed at strengthening trust between the Armed Forces and the communities they serve.
“We are not an occupying force; we are your sons, daughters, brothers and sisters, dedicated to protecting the territorial integrity of our homeland,” he said.
The CAS expressed confidence that the summit would produce practical strategies for consolidating peace, stimulating economic growth and preserving the South-East’s position as a major hub for commerce, innovation and enterprise.
He reiterated the NAF’s commitment to working with all stakeholders to restore lasting peace and security across the region.
“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,” Air Marshal Aneke stated.
Aneke Calls for Stronger Collaboration to Tackle Insecurity in South-East
