NAF Reinforces Fight Against Oil Theft in Niger Delta

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to protecting the country’s critical oil and gas infrastructure during a strategic operational visit to its base in Port Harcourt, in Rivers State.

According to a statement signed by the Nigerian Air Force Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the visit on 5 March included the commissioning of new facilities, inspection of operational infrastructure and meetings with state authorities aimed at strengthening security operations in the Niger Delta.

During the visit to the 115 Special Operations Group, the home of the air force’s combat helicopters, Air Marshal Aneke commissioned newly constructed and renovated facilities including a modern briefing room complex andother operational buildings designed to improve planning, coordination and administrative efficiency.

He also inspected key infrastructure at the base, including the runway, apron VIP areas, aircraft hangar and the Nigerian Air Force Hospital, saying modern and functional facilities are vital for maintaining operational standards and effective mission execution.

As part of his engagements, the air force chief paid a courtesy visit to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, where he thanked the state government for supporting the air force’s operations in the region.

He highlighted several contributions by the state government, including the handover of an Agusta 139 helicopter to the air force, the rehabilitation and resurfacing of the runway and aprons at the Port Harcourt base, the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy for the base, and the construction of residential accommodation for personnel.

Air Marshal Aneke said the interventions had strengthened the air force’s operational readiness and its ability to respond to security challenges in the Niger Delta.

Governor Fubara, in his response, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to working with the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies to maintain peace and stability in the state.

He praised the air force for its role in protecting strategic national assets and combating economic sabotage in the Niger Delta, adding that security remains 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, noting that theair force is expanding accommodation and infrastructure projects across its bases nationwide to improve living and working conditions.

He also commended personnel of the 115 Special Operations Group for their operational performance, revealing that the unit carried out 495 missions in 2025 in support of counter-illegal bunkering operations, protection of oil infrastructure and other national security tasks.

The air force chief urged personnel to remain vigilant and ensure all operations are guided by timely and actionable intelligence to achieve measurable results in protecting Nigeria’s economic assets.