CAS Advocates Whole-of-Society Approach to Tackle Insecurity in South-East
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has called for a whole-of-society approach to addressing insecurity in the South-East, stressing that lasting peace can only be achieved through stronger collaboration among governments, security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders and citizens.
Speaking at the South-East Regional Security Summit 2026, held on Thursday in Umuahia, Abia State, Air Marshal Aneke reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) commitment to sustaining peace and security across the region while urging stakeholders to tackle the underlying drivers of violence.
The summit, themed “Collaborative Approaches to Strengthening Security and Regional Stability,” was convened by the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, while the keynote address was delivered by retired Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika.
Describing the summit as a demonstration of collective resolve to restore peace, stability and economic prosperity to the South-East, the CAS commended the South-East Governors’ Forum and other stakeholders for supporting the initiative.
He noted that despite recent security challenges, the South-East remains Nigeria’s historic industrial and commercial hub, assuring residents that the Nigerian Air Force, in collaboration with sister services and other security agencies, remains committed to denying criminal elements the opportunity to undermine the region’s peace and economic potential.
Air Marshal Aneke disclosed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria had intensified joint military operations across the South-East, with the Nigerian Air Force providing Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), precision air interdiction missions and close air support to ground troops.
According to him, the coordinated operations have significantly degraded the mobility and operational capabilities of criminal elements while creating a safer environment for communities and businesses to flourish.
The Air Chief, however, maintained that military operations alone could not deliver enduring peace.
“Bombs and bullets do not address the root causes of insecurity,” he said, urging governments, traditional rulers, community leaders, youth organisations and socio-cultural groups to strengthen community engagement, mentor young people and create opportunities that discourage violence and criminality.
He also encouraged members of the public to support ongoing security operations by embracing the “If you see something, say something” principle through the timely provision of credible and actionable intelligence to security agencies.
Air Marshal Aneke further reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to strengthening civil-military relations through medical outreaches and other community-based initiatives aimed at fostering public trust and cooperation.
Expressing optimism over the outcomes of the summit, the CAS said the Nigerian Air Force would remain vigilant and steadfast in supporting efforts to restore lasting peace, enhance regional stability and preserve the South-East as a thriving centre of commerce, innovation and enterprise.
By TimesNG