NAF steps up protection of oil assets in Niger Delta region
The Chief of Air Staff (CAS) has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s vital oil and gas assets across the Niger Delta region. Air Marshal Aneke gave
- ...as CAS inaugurates critical infrastructure
The Chief of Air Staff (CAS) has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s vital oil and gas assets across the Niger Delta region.
Air Marshal Aneke gave the assurance on Thursday during an operational visit to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he commissioned critical infrastructure projects and inspected key operational facilities.
According to a statement by the NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the visit was part of the CAS’s ongoing nationwide engagements aimed at strengthening the Air Force’s operational readiness, improving personnel welfare, and assessing frontline capabilities.
The CAS, while addressing personnel at the base, assured them that their welfare remains central to operational effectiveness. He stressed that “the Nigerian Air Force is accelerating accommodation and infrastructure development across its bases nationwide to address housing deficits and improve the living and working conditions of its personnel.”
Aneke commended the leadership and personnel of the 115 Special Operations Group for their operational achievements, noting that the unit executed 495 missions in 2025 in support of counter-illegal bunkering operations, the protection of critical oil infrastructure, and other national security tasks.
He urged personnel to remain vigilant and continue to “fly smart” by ensuring that all operations are anchored on timely and actionable intelligence. He added that every mission must be purposeful and deliver measurable operational results in safeguarding Nigeria’s economic assets.
The NAF boss also paid a courtesy visit to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, acknowledging the state government’s support for the NAF.
The support includes the handover of an Agusta 139 helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force, the rehabilitation and resurfacing of the runway and aprons at NAF Base Port Harcourt, the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy for the base, and the provision of two blocks of 12 two-bedroom residential accommodation units for NAF personnel.
"These interventions have significantly strengthened the Air Force’s operational readiness and its capacity to respond effectively to emerging security challenges within the Niger Delta region,” the CAS said.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to sustaining its partnership with the NAF and other security agencies in ensuring peace and stability within the State. He commended the NAF for its critical role in protecting strategic national assets and combating economic sabotage in the Niger Delta region.
Fubara assured Air Marshal Aneke of his administration’s continued support in strengthening the operational presence of the NAF in Rivers State, adding that "the collaboration between the state government and the NAF will continue to contribute to safeguarding lives, protecting critical infrastructure, and advancing the prosperity of the State and the nation."
