NAF Tightens Security Around Niger Delta Oil Infrastructure
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the protection of Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta as part of broader efforts to curb economic sabotage and enhance national security.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, gave the assurance during a strategic operational visit to the NAF Base in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he commissioned key infrastructure projects and inspected critical operational facilities.
The visit, which took place on Thursday, forms part of the Air Chief’s ongoing nationwide operational engagements aimed at strengthening frontline capabilities, improving personnel welfare, and assessing the readiness of NAF units across the country.
During the visit to the 115 Special Operations Group (115 SOG), the base responsible for operating the Nigerian Air Force’s combat helicopters, the CAS commissioned newly constructed and renovated facilities, including a modern briefing room complex designed to enhance operational planning and coordination.
He also inspected critical infrastructure at the base, including the runway, apron VIP areas, aircraft hangar, and the Nigerian Air Force Hospital.
Air Marshal Aneke emphasised that modern infrastructure plays a crucial role in sustaining effective military operations and ensuring the success of missions aimed at protecting the nation’s strategic assets.
“Modern and functional infrastructure remain essential to sustaining high operational standards and effective mission execution,” he said.
As part of his engagements in Rivers State, the CAS paid a maiden courtesy visit to the state governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, where he expressed appreciation for the sustained support of the Rivers State Government to the Nigerian Air Force.
The Air Chief particularly acknowledged the state government’s contributions to strengthening the operational capacity of the Air Force in the region, including the handover of an Agusta 139 helicopter, the rehabilitation and resurfacing of the runway and aprons at the NAF Base Port Harcourt, and the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy for the base.
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He also commended the construction of two blocks of twelve two-bedroom residential accommodation units for NAF personnel, describing the interventions as critical to enhancing operational readiness.
According to him, the support from the Rivers State Government has significantly strengthened the Air Force’s ability to respond swiftly to emerging security challenges in the Niger Delta.
In his response, Governor Fubara reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to sustaining collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies to maintain peace and stability in the state.
He commended the Nigerian Air Force for its role in protecting strategic national assets and combating economic sabotage in the Niger Delta, stressing that security remains essential for economic growth and development.
The governor assured the CAS of continued support to strengthen the operational presence of the Air Force in Rivers State.
“The collaboration between the State Government and the Service will continue to contribute to safeguarding lives, protecting critical infrastructure, and advancing the prosperity of the State and the nation,” he said.
Addressing officers, airmen and airwomen during a durbar at the base, Air Marshal Aneke reiterated his command philosophy of building a highly motivated and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive air power in support of national security objectives.
He stressed that personnel welfare remains a key component of operational effectiveness, noting that the Nigerian Air Force is accelerating accommodation and infrastructure development across its bases nationwide to address housing deficits and improve the living and working conditions of its personnel.
The Air Chief also commended the leadership and personnel of the 115 Special Operations Group for their operational achievements, noting that the unit carried out 495 missions in 2025 in support of counter–illegal bunkering operations, protection of oil infrastructure, and other national security tasks.
He urged the personnel to remain vigilant and ensure that all operations are guided by timely and actionable intelligence.
“Every mission must be purposeful and deliver measurable operational results in safeguarding Nigeria’s economic assets,” he said.
The Nigerian Air Force has continued to play a critical role in supporting joint military operations aimed at combating crude oil theft, illegal refining activities and other forms of economic sabotage across the Niger Delta region.
By PRNigeria
