By Harriet Tornguvan
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to protecting the nation’s critical oil and gas infrastructure during a strategic operational visit to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base in Port Harcourt.
Air Marshal Aneke made the pledge during an inspection and commissioning tour of key facilities at the base as part of his nationwide operational engagements aimed at strengthening frontline capabilities, enhancing personnel welfare and boosting operational readiness across NAF units.
During the visit to the 115 Special Operations Group (115 SOG), the operational home of the Nigerian Air Force’s combat helicopters, the CAS commissioned newly constructed and renovated facilities, including a modern briefing room complex and other administrative structures designed to improve operational planning, command coordination and efficiency.
He also inspected critical operational infrastructure such as the runway and apron VIP areas, aircraft hangars and the Nigerian Air Force Hospital, stressing that modern infrastructure remains vital for maintaining high operational standards and effective mission execution.
Air Marshal Aneke said the Nigerian Air Force would continue to strengthen its operational presence in the Niger Delta to ensure the protection of the nation’s strategic economic assets.
As part of his engagements, the CAS paid a maiden courtesy visit to the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, where he expressed appreciation for the state government’s support to the Nigerian Air Force.
He particularly acknowledged the government’s contributions, including the handover of an Agusta 139 helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force, the rehabilitation and resurfacing of the runway and aprons at the Port Harcourt base, the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy for the base and the construction of two blocks of twelve two-bedroom residential accommodation units for NAF personnel.
According to him, these interventions have significantly enhanced the Air Force’s operational readiness and its ability to respond swiftly to emerging security challenges in the Niger Delta region.
Responding, Governor Fubara reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to sustaining its partnership 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 vital role in protecting strategic national assets and combating economic sabotage in the Niger Delta, noting that security remains a prerequisite for economic growth and development.
Air Marshal Aneke, addressed officers, airmen and airwomen during a durbar at the base, reiterated his command philosophy of building a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower in collaboration with ground forces to achieve national security objectives.
He emphasised that personnel welfare remains central to operational effectiveness, noting that the Nigerian Air Force is accelerating accommodation and infrastructure development across its bases nationwide to improve the living and working conditions of its personnel.
The CAS also commended the leadership and personnel of the 115 Special Operations Group for their operational performance, revealing that the unit conducted 495 missions in 2025 in support of counter illegal bunkering operations, protection of oil infrastructure and other national security tasks.
He urged personnel to remain vigilant and ensure all operations are intelligence-driven and result-oriented in order to safeguard Nigeria’s economic assets and national interests.
