Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has said that to deliver decisive military effects in complex security environment commanders must have the foresight, adaptability and collaborative mindset.

Speaking during a lecture titled “Military Strategic Leadership: My Perspective” to participants of Air War Course 12/2026 at the Air Force War College Nigeria (AFWCN), Makurdi on Monday, Aneke sreaffirmed that synergy among the Armed Forces remains indispensable to achieving mission success in contemporary warfare, charging future military leaders to embrace strategic leadership, jointness and innovation as essential drivers of operational effectiveness.

Participants of the course were drawn from senior officers of the Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Army and Nigerian Navy, alongside allied officers from Botswana, Cameroon, Ghana and the Kingdom of Morocco.

Aneke observed that effective military leadership goes beyond command authority to inspiring people, shaping institutions and translating national strategic objectives into operational success.

Quoting one of the central messages of his lecture, he stressed that “Synergy is not optional; it is a strategic necessity,” noting that integrated planning and coordinated execution enable commanders to achieve effects beyond the capability of any single Service.

He explained that the deliberate integration of airpower with surface forces enhances operational effectiveness and remains central to addressing contemporary security challenges.

The CAS further highlighted that his Command Philosophy is focused on building a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering effective airpower in synergy with surface forces for the realisation of national security objectives.

He explained that this vision is being advanced through mission-focused training, personnel development, innovation, strategic partnerships and a proactive approach to sustaining operational readiness.

According to him, “Strategic leadership depends on policy foresight rather than reactive decision-making,” underscoring the importance of preparing leaders for future security challenges.

Emphasising the human dimension of military capability, Aneke reminded the participants that the strength of any Air Force ultimately lies in its people. He urged the future commanders to cultivate strategic thinking, ethical leadership, emotional intelligence and a lifelong commitment to professional development, stressing that investment in personnel remains fundamental to operational excellence.

He further encouraged them to foster trust across Services and with partner nations, describing it as the foundation for successful joint operations and enduring military effectiveness.