Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies to maintain peace and stability in the state.
The governor noted that the protection of oil installations and other strategic assets remains crucial to Nigeria’s economic stability, stressing that security is fundamental to development.
“Security remains a prerequisite for economic growth and development,” Fubara said, assuring that the Rivers State Government would continue to support the operational presence of the Nigerian Air Force in the state.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame on Thursday said as part of the visit, the CAS paid a maiden courtesy call on the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, where he commended the state government for its continued support to the Nigerian Air Force.
Air Marshal Aneke particularly acknowledged the state’s contributions, including the handover of an Agusta 139 helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force, 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 two blocks of twelve two-bedroom residential accommodation units for personnel.
According to him, these interventions have significantly strengthened the Air Force’s operational readiness and its ability to respond swiftly to security threats in the Niger Delta.
Also speaking during a durbar with officers, airmen and airwomen at the Air Force base, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, reiterated his command philosophy focused on building a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower in support of national security objectives.
Air Marshal Aneke emphasised that personnel welfare remains a priority for the service. He disclosed that the Nigerian Air Force is accelerating accommodation and infrastructure development across its bases to address housing deficits and improve living conditions for personnel.
The Air Force chief also commended the leadership and personnel of the 115 Special Operations Group for their operational performance. He revealed that the unit carried out 495 missions in 2025 in support of counter-illegal bunkering operations and the protection of critical oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta.
He urged personnel to remain vigilant and ensure that all missions are intelligence-driven to achieve effective results.
“Every mission must be purposeful and deliver measurable operational results in safeguarding Nigeria’s economic assets,” the CAS stated.
