Chief Of Air Staff Strengthens NAF-NDDC Partnership To Advance Security and Development In The Niger Delta

Chief Of Air Staff Strengthens NAF-NDDC Partnership To Advance Security and Development In The Niger Delta

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, paid a strategic courtesy visit to the Headquarters of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Port Harcourt as part of his operational tour of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) units and key stakeholders across the Niger Delta. During the visit, the CAS expressed appreciation to the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, as well as the management and staff of the NDDC for the warm reception accorded to his delegation. Air Marshal Aneke noted that the visit was aimed at strengthening the existing partnership between the Nigerian Air Force and the Commission, emphasising that the NDDC’s commitment to socio-economic development and environmental restoration in the Niger Delta aligns closely with the NAF’s objective of providing a secure environment necessary for national growth and prosperity.

The CAS highlighted the ongoing operational efforts of the Nigerian Air Force in the region, particularly in combating crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism and other activities that undermine economic growth and environmental sustainability. He noted that the NAF has enhanced its operational capabilities through the deployment of advanced platforms such as the T129 ATAK helicopters, which have proven highly effective in armed reconnaissance and joint operations aimed at neutralising criminal elements within the region. Air Marshal Aneke further disclosed that the recent establishment of the 309 Composite Group in Eket, supported through collaboration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and SEPLAT, has expanded the NAF’s operational footprint in the South-South region, thereby strengthening efforts to safeguard critical oil and gas infrastructure and support the Federal Government’s mandate to improve national oil production.

Responding, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, commended the Nigerian Air Force for its steadfast role in maintaining security and stability across the Niger Delta. He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to sustaining its partnership with the NAF, noting that peace and security remain critical enablers of the Commission’s development initiatives in the region. Dr Ogbuku also acknowledged the strategic importance of the NAF’s operations in protecting vital oil and gas infrastructure and assured that the Commission would continue to support initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, personnel welfare and sustainable development across the Niger Delta.