By Bavoriat Clara
The Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Air Force to safeguarding Nigeria’s critical oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta.
The assurance came during a strategic operational visit to the NAF Base Port Harcourt on March 5, 2026, where he commissioned key infrastructure projects and inspected operational facilities.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Ehimen Ejodame, the visit forms part of the Chief of the Air Staff’s nationwide engagements aimed at strengthening operational readiness, improving personnel welfare, and assessing frontline capabilities across Air Force units.
During the visit to the 115 Special Operations Group, the home of the Air Force’s combat helicopters, Air Marshal Aneke commissioned newly constructed and renovated facilities including a modern briefing room complex and other operational buildings designed to improve planning, command coordination, and administrative efficiency.
He also inspected the base runway, apron VIP areas, aircraft hangar and the Nigerian Air Force Hospital, stressing that modern infrastructure is essential for effective mission execution.
As part of his engagements in Rivers State, the Chief of the Air Staff paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, where he appreciated the state government for its continued support to the Nigerian Air Force.
He highlighted several interventions by the state, including the handover of an Agusta 139 helicopter, rehabilitation and resurfacing of the base runway and aprons, issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy for the base, and provision of residential accommodation for Air Force personnel.
Responding, Governor Fubara commended the Nigerian Air Force for its role in protecting strategic national assets and tackling economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.
He assured the Chief of the Air Staff of the state government’s continued support to strengthen security collaboration aimed at protecting lives, safeguarding critical infrastructure and promoting economic development in the region.
Addressing officers, airmen and airwomen during a durbar at the base, Air Marshal Aneke reiterated his command philosophy of building a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower in support of national security objectives.
He also praised the personnel of the 115 Special Operations Group for executing 495 missions in 2025 in support of counter-illegal bunkering operations and protection of critical oil infrastructure, urging them to remain vigilant and ensure all operations are intelligence-driven and result-oriented.
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