The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has strengthened its air power and mission readiness with the commissioning of a reconstructed runway and military apron in Rivers State.
The facilities were commissioned by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, as part of efforts to enhance aircraft deployment, turnaround time, maintenance and overall operational efficiency in support of security operations across the South-South region.
In a statement, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the project reflected the CAS’s drive to strengthen the infrastructure, systems and capabilities required to keep the NAF responsive, agile and mission-ready.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Air Marshal Aneke commended the Rivers State Government, led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, for its funding and support towards the reconstruction of the airport facilities.
He described the intervention as a commendable example of state-level contribution to national defence and also acknowledged the state government’s handover of an AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter to the NAF.
According to the CAS, the investments demonstrate the Rivers State Government’s commitment to strengthening security within the state and supporting Nigeria’s broader national security objectives.
Air Marshal Aneke stressed that dependable aviation infrastructure was fundamental to effective military operations, noting that the reconstructed runway and military apron would significantly improve operational readiness and expand the number of missions supported from the facility.
“The new runway and apron will also increase our readiness, increase the number of missions the airport can support, and make our fleet more effective,” he said.
The CAS added that the upgraded facilities would enhance surveillance and reconnaissance operations, facilitate faster aircraft turnaround and support rapid deployment in response to evolving security challenges, including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, piracy, organised crime and illegal bunkering.
Beyond combat and security operations, Air Marshal Aneke said the improved facilities would strengthen the NAF’s capacity to provide rapid humanitarian assistance and emergency response.
The runway and apron will support medical evacuation, search-and-rescue operations, disaster relief and rapid air transport during emergencies such as floods and epidemics, particularly in Rivers State and neighbouring areas.
The CAS expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his leadership and continued support for investments in defence infrastructure, equipment procurement and personnel welfare.
He also thanked the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, and heads of security and intelligence agencies for their support.
Air Marshal Aneke further commended the engineers, contractors, project managers, site supervisors and NAF personnel whose professionalism ensured the completion of the project within the stipulated timeline without disrupting ongoing operations.
He also acknowledged the cooperation of the surrounding communities throughout the execution of the project.
The commissioning, according to the NAF, represents another step in its efforts to build a stronger, more agile and capable force capable of effectively responding to Nigeria’s security and humanitarian challenges.
With the enhanced facilities now supporting security operations, pilot training, logistics, civil-military cooperation and humanitarian missions, the NAF said it is better positioned to respond rapidly to national emergencies and protect the lives and property of Nigerians.
