Nigerian Air Force Enhances Flight Safety Oversight

Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), has directed the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to strengthen flight safety oversight to prevent air crashes involving NAF aircraft. This directive follows a tragic accident involving NAF ATR 42-500 aircraft NAF 931 on 5 October 2026.

During a meeting with branch chiefs, Air Officers Commanding, principal staff officers, and senior commanders, Air Marshal Aneke reaffirmed the NAF's commitment to personnel safety, professional standards, and institutional accountability. He emphasized the importance of sustained vigilance, adherence to established procedures, and continuous improvement in safety management.

Acknowledging the grief of bereaved families and the NAF community, he stressed that operational effectiveness must be supported by sound judgment, professional discipline, and high flight safety standards. Commanders were instructed to maintain rigorous oversight of aircraft airworthiness, maintenance quality assurance, operational procedures, and aircrew competence, alongside proactive safety monitoring and prompt reporting of potential hazards.