By Nkechi Eze
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, has commended the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for strengthening its operational presence in the state, describing the move as a strategic enabler of peace, investor confidence, and sustainable economic growth in the Niger Delta.
According to an official signed statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the governor made the remarks during the operational visit of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, to Akwa Ibom State on April 30, 2026.
During a high-level engagement with the CAS, Governor Eno lauded the Air Force’s proactive, mission-oriented approach to security, noting that the establishment and operationalisation of the 309 Composite Group in Eket would serve as a major deterrent to criminal activities while enhancing the protection of critical national infrastructure. He stated that the development would reinforce stability not only in Akwa Ibom but across the wider Niger Delta region.
“The operationalisation of this Unit is a major boost to peace, stability, and economic activities within Akwa Ibom State and the wider Niger Delta region,” the governor said, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to sustained collaboration with the NAF. He emphasised that security remains the foundation upon which economic development thrives.
The visit featured strategic engagements with key stakeholders as well as a comprehensive inspection of facilities at the 309 Composite Group, Eket, underscoring the NAF’s intensified posture aimed at neutralising threats, safeguarding vital economic assets, and enabling long-term regional growth.
In his remarks, Air Marshal Aneke commended the Akwa Ibom State Government for its decisive support in facilitating the rapid establishment of the unit, describing the 309 Composite Group as a critical forward operating base for enhanced intelligence, surveillance, and rapid response operations.
“The establishment of 309 Composite Group is a strategic step towards strengthening security and safeguarding vital economic assets that are central to Nigeria’s prosperity. We are fully committed to leveraging this platform to deliver decisive airpower effects in support of national security objectives,” the CAS stated.
At Eket, the CAS also held consultations with the Paramount Ruler, His Royal Majesty Edidem Charles D Abia, alongside other community stakeholders, where he underscored the importance of civil-military cooperation as a force multiplier in ongoing operations. He noted that enduring security outcomes depend on trust, intelligence-sharing, and strong community partnerships.
Earlier, during the inspection of facilities, the Air Officer Commanding Mobility Command, Air Vice Marshal MN Onyebashi, affirmed the unit’s growing operational capacity and readiness to execute assigned missions with precision. He assured that personnel remain aligned with the CAS’s directive to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, and operational effectiveness.
The NAF reiterated its commitment to deepening operational synergy with state authorities and host communities to ensure lasting peace and security across the Niger Delta.
