By Bavoriat Clara
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening defence cooperation with China as part of ongoing efforts to enhance its operational capacity, professionalism, and responsiveness to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
This follows a courtesy visit by the Chinese Defence Attaché, Senior Colonel Ouyang Haisheng, to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja on March 25, 2026.
During the meeting, both parties emphasized the importance of sustained defence diplomacy in advancing military training, technology transfer, and institutional capacity development. The engagement also provided an avenue to review existing areas of cooperation and explore new opportunities that would further strengthen bilateral military relations.
Speaking at the meeting, Air Marshal Aneke highlighted that international partnerships remain central to the NAF’s transformation drive, which is focused on enhancing operational effectiveness, human capacity development, and the acquisition of modern air assets. He noted that the NAF has continued to evolve into a highly professional and mission-oriented force, capable of conducting a wide range of air operations including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, air interdiction, and close air support in joint operations.
The CAS further stressed that the Nigerian Air Force plays a critical role in ongoing counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism, and anti-banditry operations across the country, often working in close synergy with sister services and other security agencies. He added that strengthening cooperation with technologically advanced partners like China would significantly boost the Service’s capabilities in maintenance, logistics, and operational efficiency.
Air Marshal Aneke also reiterated the NAF’s commitment to regional and global peace, noting that enhanced collaboration would not only improve Nigeria’s internal security architecture but also contribute to broader efforts aimed at promoting stability across the West African sub-region and beyond.
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