By Odita Sunday
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has called for a whole-of-society approach involving governments, security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities to tackle the root causes of insecurity and consolidate peace in the South-East.
Aneke made the call on Thursday at the South-East Regional Security Summit 2026 in Umuahia, Abia State, organised 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.
The CAS said although military operations remained necessary in creating a secure environment, lasting peace could not be achieved through military action alone.
“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.
Aneke urged governments, traditional rulers, community leaders, youth organisations and socio-cultural institutions to deepen community engagement, mentor young people and create opportunities that would discourage vulnerable youths from embracing violence.
He said the Nigerian Air Force, working with sister services and other security agencies, remained committed to restoring peace and protecting economic activities 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,” Aneke stated.
According to him, the Armed Forces of Nigeria have intensified joint operations across the South-East, with the NAF providing Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, precision air interdictions and close air support to ground forces.
He said the coordinated operations had degraded the mobility and operational capabilities of criminal elements, thereby creating a safer environment for communities and businesses to thrive.
The Air Chief also urged residents to support security agencies by providing timely and actionable intelligence, stressing the importance of the principle, “If you see something, say something.”
He further reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to strengthening civil-military relations through medical outreaches and other community support initiatives.
“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.
Aneke commended the South-East Governors’ Forum and other stakeholders for supporting the summit, describing the gathering as a demonstration of collective resolve to restore lasting peace, stability and economic prosperity to the region.
He noted that the South-East remained one of Nigeria’s major industrial and commercial hubs despite the security challenges confronting the region.
The CAS expressed confidence that the summit would generate practical strategies to strengthen security, stimulate economic growth and preserve the region’s position as a hub of commerce, innovation and enterprise.
“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,” he said.
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