The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken steps to strengthen security operations in the South-South region with the commissioning of a reconstructed runway and military apron in Rivers State.
The upgraded facilities, commissioned on Thursday, August 27, 2026, by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, are expected to improve aircraft deployment, maintenance, turnaround time and overall operational efficiency in the region.
Aneke said the infrastructure would enhance the NAF’s capacity to respond rapidly to emerging security threats by providing improved facilities for aircraft operations, surveillance and reconnaissance.
He noted that the development would be particularly significant in supporting operations against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, piracy, organised crime and illegal bunkering, which continue to pose security challenges across different parts of the country.
The CAS commended the Rivers State Government, led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, for funding and supporting the reconstruction of the facilities, describing the intervention as a commendable contribution to national defence.
According to Aneke, the improved infrastructure would enable the NAF to deploy aircraft more effectively and sustain operations for longer periods, thereby enhancing the Service’s ability to support other security agencies in maintaining peace and security across the South-South.
Beyond combat and surveillance operations, he said the facilities would also improve the NAF’s capacity to respond to humanitarian emergencies, including medical evacuation, search-and-rescue operations and disaster response.
The CAS further acknowledged the support and leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, as well as other stakeholders whose contributions facilitated the completion of the project.
He said the development was part of the NAF’s broader efforts to build a stronger, more agile and mission-ready force capable of responding effectively to Nigeria’s evolving security and humanitarian needs.
The reconstructed runway and military apron are therefore expected to provide a critical boost to air operations in the South-South, while strengthening the NAF’s capacity to project air power and respond swiftly to security threats across the region.
