The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), one of the three branches of the Nigerian Armed Forces, is tasked with safeguarding the nation’s airspace, conducting aerial operations, and providing critical support to ground and naval forces. Like the Army and Navy, the Air Force operates under a clearly defined rank structure that establishes authority, responsibility, and command across all levels.
Advertisements
Each rank in the Nigerian Air Force is represented by a distinctive insignia or symbol, prominently displayed on the uniform to indicate the officer’s position, seniority, and role within the service.
This comprehensive 2025 guide provides an up-to-date overview of all Nigerian Air Force ranks and their corresponding insignias, organized into two main categories: Commissioned Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs), making it easier to understand the hierarchy and chain of command within the force.
1. Commissioned Officers
Commissioned Officers are personnel who have received a presidential commission and hold positions of leadership, command, and authority. They are typically graduates of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) or other recognized military institutions.
YOU CAN ALSO READ: Nigerian Army Ranks and Symbols/Insignia
Commissioned Officer Ranks in the Nigerian Air Force (Highest to Lowest)
-
Marshal of the Nigerian Air Force (Five Stars)
Symbol/Insignia: Five golden stars arranged in a circle around the Nigerian Coat of Arms
Notes: Honorary rank, rarely held in Nigeria -
Air Chief Marshal (Four Stars)
Symbol/Insignia: Eagle above a crossed sword and baton with four stars beneath
Role: Chief of Air Staff or highest operational commander -
Air Marshal (Three Stars)
Symbol/Insignia: Eagle above a crossed sword and baton with three stars below
Role: Chief of Administration or Air Operations at headquarters level -
Air Vice Marshal (Two Stars)
Symbol/Insignia: Eagle above a crossed sword and baton with two stars below
Role: Commands Air Commands or departments at Air Force Headquarters -
Air Commodore (One Star)
Symbol/Insignia: Eagle above a crossed sword and baton with one star below
Role: Air Base Commander or senior staff officer -
Group Captain
Symbol/Insignia: Eagle above a crossed sword and baton only
Role: Oversees an air wing or administrative section -
Wing Commander
Symbol/Insignia: One silver star above a crossed sword and baton
Role: Commands a squadron or major operational section -
Squadron Leader
Symbol/Insignia: Golden eagle only
Role: Supervises aircraft operations and junior pilots -
Flight Lieutenant
Symbol/Insignia: Three silver stars arranged horizontally
Role: Leads a flight or section -
Flying Officer
Symbol/Insignia: Two silver stars
Role: Junior commissioned pilot or officer in training -
Pilot Officer
Symbol/Insignia: One silver star
Role: Entry-level commissioned officer, often a recent graduate from NDA or training school
2. Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) and Airmen/Women
Non-Commissioned Officers and airmen/women form the foundation of the Nigerian Air Force. They perform both technical and operational duties under the supervision of commissioned officers.
Non-Commissioned Officer Ranks in the Nigerian Air Force (Highest to Lowest)
-
Air Warrant Officer (AWO)
Symbol/Insignia: Nigerian Coat of Arms
Role: Senior non-commissioned officer and key administrative leader within the unit -
Master Warrant Officer (MWO)
Symbol/Insignia: Nigerian eagle
Role: Supervises NCOs and ensures discipline across the ranks -
Warrant Officer
Symbol/Insignia: Eagle with wings spread wide
Role: Oversees technical or flight operations -
Flight Sergeant
Symbol/Insignia: Three chevrons topped by an eagle
Role: Commands a small team or flight section -
Sergeant
Symbol/Insignia: Three chevrons
Role: Leads a smaller crew or assists the Flight Sergeant -
Corporal
Symbol/Insignia: Two chevrons
Role: Junior NCO responsible for supervising airmen or trainees -
Lance Corporal
Symbol/Insignia: One chevron
Role: Assists the corporal and leads a minor team -
Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman (ACM/W)
Symbol/Insignia: None
Role: Entry-level air personnel performing basic tasks under supervision -
Recruit
Symbol/Insignia: None (under training)
Role: Undergoing initial military training before being fully enlisted
Summary Table of Nigerian Air Force Ranks and Symbols (2025)
| Category | Rank | Insignia Description |
|---|---|---|
| Commissioned Officer | Air Chief Marshal | Eagle, crossed sword & baton, four stars |
| Commissioned Officer | Air Marshal | Eagle, crossed sword & baton, three stars |
| Commissioned Officer | Air Vice Marshal | Eagle, crossed sword & baton, two stars |
| Commissioned Officer | Air Commodore | Eagle, crossed sword & baton, one star |
| Commissioned Officer | Group Captain | Eagle, crossed sword & baton |
| Commissioned Officer | Wing Commander | One silver star, crossed sword & baton |
| Commissioned Officer | Squadron Leader | Eagle |
| Commissioned Officer | Flight Lieutenant | Three stars |
| Commissioned Officer | Flying Officer | Two stars |
| Commissioned Officer | Pilot Officer | One star |
| NCO | Air Warrant Officer | Nigerian Coat of Arms |
| NCO | Master Warrant Officer | Nigerian Eagle |
| NCO | Warrant Officer | Eagle with wings spread |
| NCO | Flight Sergeant | Three chevrons with eagle above |
| NCO | Sergeant | Three chevrons |
| NCO | Corporal | Two chevrons |
| NCO | Lance Corporal | One chevron |
| NCO | Aircraftman/Woman | None |
| NCO | Recruit | None (training) |
The Nigerian Air Force rank structure provides a clear framework for order, discipline, and leadership across all operational levels. The distinctive symbols and insignias worn on uniforms make it easy to identify an officer’s position, seniority, and level of authority at a glance.
From the entry-level Pilot Officer to the highest rank of Air Chief Marshal, each insignia reflects a history of dedication, professional skill, and committed service to Nigeria’s air defense. Together, these ranks and symbols uphold the traditions, discipline, and operational efficiency of the Nigerian Air Force.