By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to the protection of Nigeria’s critical oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta, as he undertook a strategic operational visit to the NAF Base in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
During the visit on Thursday, March 5, 2026, the CAS commissioned newly completed infrastructure projects, inspected key operational facilities and engaged with personnel of the Nigerian Air Force as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen operational readiness and improve welfare across NAF units.
In an official signed statement, the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed that the visit forms part of the CAS’s nationwide operational engagements aimed at assessing frontline capabilities, enhancing infrastructure development and boosting personnel morale across bases.
At the 115 Special Operations Group, the operational hub of the Nigerian Air Force’s combat helicopter fleet, Air Marshal Aneke commissioned a newly constructed modern briefing room complex alongside other renovated facilities designed to improve operational planning, command coordination and administrative efficiency.
The CAS also inspected critical operational infrastructure including the runway and apron VIP areas, aircraft hangars and the Nigerian Air Force Hospital within the base. He emphasised that modern and functional infrastructure remains essential for sustaining high operational standards and ensuring effective mission execution.
“As we continue to confront complex security challenges, modern infrastructure and well-equipped operational environments remain fundamental to sustaining high operational standards and ensuring the success of our missions,” he said.
As part of his engagements in the state, the Chief of the Air Staff paid a maiden courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, where he commended the state government for its consistent support to the Nigerian Air Force presence in the state.
The CAS particularly acknowledged several contributions by the Rivers State Government, including the handover of an AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force, the rehabilitation and resurfacing of the runway and aprons at the NAF Base in Port Harcourt, the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy for the base, as well as the construction of two blocks of twelve two-bedroom residential accommodation units for NAF personnel.
According to Air Marshal Aneke, these interventions have significantly strengthened the operational readiness of the Nigerian Air Force and enhanced its capacity to respond effectively to emerging security threats in the Niger Delta region.
In his response, Governor Fubara reaffirmed the Rivers State Government’s commitment to sustaining its partnership with the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies in maintaining peace and stability across the state.
The governor commended the Nigerian Air Force for its role in protecting strategic national assets and combating economic sabotage in the Niger Delta, stressing that security remains a key requirement for economic growth and development.
“Security remains a prerequisite for economic growth and development. The collaboration between the Rivers State Government and the Nigerian Air Force will continue to safeguard lives, protect critical infrastructure and advance the prosperity of our state and the nation,” he said.
Addressing officers, airmen and airwomen during a durbar at the base, the Chief of the Air Staff reiterated his command philosophy of building a highly motivated and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive air power in synergy with other security forces.
According to him, “our focus is to enhance and sustain a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower effects in synergy with surface forces for the realisation of national security objectives.”
Air Marshal Aneke emphasised that personnel welfare remains central to operational effectiveness, noting 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 personnel.
The CAS also commended the leadership and personnel of the 115 Special Operations Group for their operational achievements, revealing that the unit carried out 495 missions in 2025 in support of counter-illegal bunkering operations, 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 driven by timely and actionable intelligence, stressing that every mission must be purposeful and deliver measurable operational outcomes in safeguarding Nigeria’s economic assets.
