By Harriet Tornguvan
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited have renewed their commitment to safeguarding the nation’s critical oil and gas infrastructure in a move aimed at bolstering economic stability and reinforcing energy security.
This renewed collaboration was highlighted during a courtesy visit by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, to the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari in Abuja. The meeting underscored the strategic importance of enhanced inter-agency cooperation under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Air Marshal Aneke stated that protecting Nigeria’s energy installations remains vital to the country’s economic resilience and the smooth functioning of NNPC’s operations.
He noted that the NAF is committed to strengthening surveillance and security around pipelines, flow stations, offshore platforms, and other key assets that support the nation’s energy supply chain.
According to the CAS, improved security around these facilities will reduce revenue losses, curb oil theft, and support increased productivity in the oil and gas sector. He added that recent joint operations involving the NAF and other security agencies have already contributed to significant reductions in crude oil theft across the country.
Air Marshal Aneke also disclosed that the NAF is scaling up its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to boost proactive threat detection and rapid response to emerging security challenges.
He emphasized that the expansion of NAF’s maritime security posture powered by advanced surveillance platforms and integrated command systems remains crucial to protecting national energy corridors and maintaining Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
The NNPC CEO Engr. Bayo Ojulari praised the Air Force for its steadfast role in national defence and described the strengthened partnership as timely, especially as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to grow national oil production. He stressed that deeper cooperation with the NAF will enhance industry safety, stabilize production levels, and support NNPC’s investment drive.
Ojulari assured that NNPC is committed to advancing joint initiatives, particularly in intelligence sharing, operational planning, and the deployment of modern security technologies to vulnerable assets nationwide.
Reaffirming NAF’s commitment, Air Marshal Aneke said the Air Force will continue to work closely with NNPC to deter insurgents, vandals, and criminal groups threatening the nation’s energy infrastructure. He maintained that the enhanced partnership will further strengthen coastal and maritime security and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s broader development goals.
The renewed alliance signals a decisive step toward ensuring uninterrupted energy supply, boosting national revenue, and advancing sustainable economic growth.
