The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has disclosed that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) carried out 495 missions in 2025 in support of operations against illegal oil bunkering and the protection of critical oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta.
Air Marshal Aneke made the disclosure on Thursday, 5 March 2026, during a strategic operational visit to the Nigerian Air Force Base, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he commissioned new infrastructure and inspected key operational facilities.
The CAS gave the commendation while addressing officers, airmen and airwomen of the 115 Special Operations Group (115 SOG), the home of NAF combat helicopters, during a durbar at the base. He praised the unit’s personnel for their operational achievements in executing hundreds of missions targeted at curbing crude oil theft and other economic sabotage in the region.
According to him, the sustained air operations have significantly supported national efforts to secure vital oil and gas assets and disrupt illegal bunkering activities in the Niger Delta.
During the visit, the CAS commissioned newly constructed and renovated facilities including a modern briefing room complex and other operational buildings designed to enhance planning and command coordination.
He also inspected the runway and apron VIP areas, aircraft hangar, and the NAF Hospital at the base, stressing that modern infrastructure is critical to maintaining high operational standards and mission effectiveness.
As part of the visit, Air Marshal Aneke paid a maiden courtesy call on the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, where he expressed appreciation for the state government’s continued support to the Nigerian Air Force. He acknowledged several contributions by the state, including the handover of an Agusta 139 helicopter, the rehabilitation and resurfacing of the runway and aprons at the base, the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy for the base, and the provision of two blocks of twelve two-bedroom accommodation units for NAF personnel.
In his response, Governor Fubara commended the Nigerian Air Force for its critical role in protecting strategic national assets and combating economic sabotage in the Niger Delta, assuring the CAS of his administration’s continued support in strengthening the operational presence of the service in the state.
Air Marshal Aneke also reiterated his command philosophy of building “a highly motivated, professional, and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower effects in synergy with surface forces for the realisation of national security objectives,” while emphasising that personnel welfare and improved infrastructure remain central to operational success.
