NAF Steps Up Air Defence Of Oil Assets As Chief Of Air Staff Visits Port Harcourt
Protecting Nigeria’s oil and gas assets remains a critical pillar of national security, and the Nigerian Air Force says it is strengthening its operational posture to ensure these strategic resources are safeguarded.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, reaffirmed this commitment during a strategic operational visit to the Nigerian Air Force Base in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he commissioned new infrastructure and assessed frontline capabilities.
During the visit to the 115 Special Operations Group — the base of the NAF’s combat helicopters, Air Marshal Aneke inaugurated newly constructed and renovated facilities, including a modern briefing room complex designed to improve operational planning, command coordination and administrative efficiency.
He also inspected key operational facilities such as the runway, apron VIP areas, aircraft hangar and the Nigerian Air Force Hospital, stressing that modern infrastructure is vital for sustaining high operational standards and effective mission execution.
As part of his engagements, the Chief of the Air Staff paid a maiden courtesy visit to the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, where he expressed appreciation for the state government’s support to the Air Force.
The CAS particularly acknowledged 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, issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy for the base, and the provision of residential accommodation for NAF personnel.
According to him, the interventions have significantly boosted the Air Force’s operational readiness and its ability to respond to emerging security challenges in the Niger Delta.
In response, Governor Fubara commended the Nigerian Air Force for its role in protecting strategic national assets and combating economic sabotage in the region, stressing that security is essential for economic growth and development.
Addressing officers, airmen and airwomen during a durbar at the base, Air Marshal Aneke emphasised that personnel welfare remains central to operational effectiveness.
He noted that the Nigerian Air Force is accelerating accommodation and infrastructure development across its bases nationwide to address housing shortages and improve living conditions for personnel.
The CAS also praised the 115 Special Operations Group for its operational achievements, revealing that the unit conducted 495 missions in 2025 in support of counter-illegal bunkering operations and the protection of critical oil infrastructure.
He urged personnel to remain vigilant and “fly smart”, ensuring that all operations are guided by timely intelligence and deliver measurable results in safeguarding Nigeria’s economic assets.
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