By Nkechi Eze
In a strategic move to reinforce internal security and deepen collaboration between state and federal authorities, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, paid a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Headquarters in Abuja, where he met with the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, DFS.
According to an official statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the visit highlighted the Governor’s commitment to leveraging federal partnerships to tackle evolving security challenges across Plateau State and the wider North Central region.
Governor Mutfwang extended congratulations to Air Marshal Aneke on his appointment as the 23rd Chief of the Air Staff and commended the NAF for its consistent efforts in maintaining peace and responding to security threats within the state. “We are dealing with asymmetric warfare, and it is challenging,” he acknowledged, emphasising the importance of sustained cooperation, especially during festive and farming seasons when threats to peace are heightened.
He reassured the Air Force of the Plateau State Government’s readiness to continue supporting its operations, stressing that effective security requires close coordination between federal and state authorities. Strengthened collaboration, he said, is vital for protecting lives, securing livelihoods, and fostering an environment conducive to socio-economic development.
In response, Air Marshal Aneke reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to building a “highly motivated, professional, and mission-ready force” capable of delivering decisive airpower in support of joint operations. He outlined the Air Force’s ongoing contributions to peace and stability in Plateau State and the North Central region through intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance missions, air mobility support, and close coordination with sister services and other security agencies.
“The support and cooperation of host communities and state governments are vital to sustaining operational effectiveness and achieving lasting security outcomes,” the CAS noted, assuring Governor Mutfwang and Plateau residents of NAF’s continued dedication to professional, intelligence-driven operations in support of national security objectives.
Both leaders emphasised the importance of further strengthening their partnership through capability development, enhanced training, and a whole-of-government approach that fosters integrated action across all levels of government and security institutions. The engagement concluded with a shared commitment to enhancing peace, safety, and public confidence, underscoring the joint resolve of the Nigerian Air Force and the Plateau State Government to safeguard lives and promote sustainable development across the state and the nation.
