Odita Sunday 
NAF Boosts South-South Security Operations With Reconstructed Rivers Runway
By Odita Sunday
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has moved to strengthen its response to terrorism, piracy, organised crime and other security threats in the South-South with the commissioning of a reconstructed runway and military apron in Rivers State.
The upgraded aviation facilities are expected to enhance aircraft deployment, reduce turnaround time, improve maintenance operations and expand the number of missions the NAF can undertake from the location.
The project was commissioned by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, who said the development would further improve the force’s operational readiness and ability to respond rapidly to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Air Marshal Aneke commended the Rivers State Government, led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, for funding and supporting the reconstruction of the airport facilities.
He described the intervention as a significant example of state-level contribution to national defence, noting that the Rivers State Government had also played a role in the handover of an AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter to the NAF.
According to the CAS, the investments demonstrated the state government’s commitment to strengthening security in Rivers State while supporting broader national security objectives.
Air Marshal Aneke said reliable aviation infrastructure remained critical to effective military operations, stressing that the reconstructed runway and apron would increase the readiness of the NAF and expand the operational capacity of the airport.
“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.
He explained that the upgraded facilities would strengthen surveillance and reconnaissance operations, facilitate faster aircraft turnaround and enable the rapid deployment of aircraft against security threats, including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, piracy, organised crime and illegal bunkering.
The development, he added, would also improve the NAF’s capacity to respond to emergencies and humanitarian crises across Rivers State and neighbouring areas.
The improved infrastructure is expected to support medical evacuation, search-and-rescue operations, disaster relief and rapid air transportation during emergencies such as floods and epidemics.
The CAS therefore described the facility as more than a military asset, noting that its enhanced operational capacity would enable the NAF to reach communities more quickly whenever lives are threatened by emergencies or disasters.
Air Marshal Aneke also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his continued support for investments in defence infrastructure, equipment procurement and personnel welfare.
He equally acknowledged the contributions of the Honourable Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs and heads of security and intelligence agencies to the development of the NAF’s operational capabilities.
The CAS further commended the engineers, contractors, project managers, site supervisors and NAF personnel involved in the reconstruction for completing the project within the set timeline without disrupting ongoing operations.
He also acknowledged the cooperation of communities surrounding the facility.
The Nigerian Air Force said the commissioning was another step in the drive under Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke to build a stronger, more agile and capable force capable of responding effectively to emerging national security challenges.
With the facility now available to support security operations, pilot training, logistics, civil-military relations and humanitarian missions, the NAF said its capacity to protect lives and support national security efforts had been further strengthened.
Air Marshal Aneke described the project as the product of “a shared vision, partnership, and careful planning”, expressing confidence that the upgraded facility would contribute to “peace, security, and prosperity in Rivers State and Nigeria.”
The Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, August 27, 2026.
About the Author
