By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Niger Delta Development Commission to enhance security and support sustainable development across the Niger Delta region.
Air Marshal Aneke made this known during a strategic courtesy visit to the headquarters of the Commission in Port Harcourt as part of his operational tour of Nigerian Air Force units and key stakeholders across the oil-rich region. During the visit, the Chief of the Air Staff expressed appreciation to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Samuel Ogbuku, as well as the management and staff of the agency for the warm reception accorded to his delegation.
The Air Chief explained that the visit was aimed at strengthening the existing partnership between the Nigerian Air Force and the Commission, noting that the developmental mandate of the NDDC aligns closely with the NAF’s responsibility of providing a secure environment necessary for national growth and prosperity.
According to him, the Commission’s sustained commitment to socio-economic development and environmental restoration in the Niger Delta complements the security efforts of the Nigerian Air Force, particularly in safeguarding the region and ensuring stability required for development initiatives to thrive.
Air Marshal Aneke highlighted the ongoing operational engagements of the Nigerian Air Force in the region, especially in the fight against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism and other criminal activities that undermine economic growth and environmental sustainability.
He noted that the Nigerian Air Force has continued to enhance its operational capabilities in the Niger Delta through the deployment of advanced air platforms, including the T129 ATAK helicopters, which he said have proven highly effective in armed reconnaissance missions and joint operations aimed at neutralising criminal elements operating within the region.
The Chief of the Air Staff further disclosed that the recent establishment of the 309 Composite Group in Eket has significantly expanded the operational footprint of the Nigerian Air Force across the South-South region. He explained that the formation was made possible through collaboration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and Seplat Energy, adding that the initiative has strengthened efforts to safeguard critical oil and gas infrastructure and support the Federal Government’s drive to improve national oil production.
Responding, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr Ogbuku, commended the Nigerian Air Force for its steadfast role in maintaining security and stability across the Niger Delta.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to sustaining its partnership with the Nigerian Air Force, noting that peace and security remain critical enablers for the successful implementation of the Commission’s development programmes across the region.
Dr Ogbuku also acknowledged the strategic importance of the Air Force’s operations in protecting vital oil and gas infrastructure and assured that the Commission would continue to support initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, personnel welfare and sustainable development within the Niger Delta.
