Chief Of The Air Staff Visits Yenagoa, Commissions Infrastructure and Reinforces NAF Operational Presence In The Niger Delta

Chief Of The Air Staff Visits Yenagoa, Commissions Infrastructure and Reinforces NAF Operational Presence In The Niger Delta

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, on 4 March 2026 undertook a strategic operational visit to Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where he engaged personnel of Headquarters Mobility Command and collocated Nigerian Air Force (NAF) units, commissioned key infrastructure projects and inaugurated the Nigerian Air Force Institute of Administrative Management (NAFIAM). The visit forms part of his ongoing operational tour of NAF formations nationwide to assess readiness, improve personnel welfare and strengthen partnerships critical to national security. During a courtesy call on the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency Distinguished Senator Douye Diri, the CAS emphasised the importance of sustained civil–military cooperation in safeguarding the Niger Delta. “Bayelsa State occupies a strategic place within Nigeria’s security and economic architecture. The Nigerian Air Force remains committed to working closely with the Bayelsa State Government and other stakeholders to ensure the protection of lives, critical national assets and sustained peace across the Niger Delta,” he stated.

Responding, Governor Douye Diri commended the Nigerian Air Force for its continued role in maintaining stability and protecting vital oil and gas infrastructure in the region, noting that the establishment of the NAF training institution in Yenagoa would further strengthen collaboration and capacity development. At the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force, Operation DELTA SAFE, the Commander, Rear Admiral OBF Oladipo, also acknowledged the overwhelming support of the NAF Air Component to the success of operations in the theatre, particularly through intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and air mobility capabilities that continue to enhance efforts to protect critical national assets and combat economic sabotage. The CAS also paid a condolence visit to the widow of the late Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Erujakpo, where he conveyed the heartfelt condolences of the Nigerian Air Force and prayed for strength and comfort for the family.

A major highlight of the visit was the inauguration of the Nigerian Air Force Institute of Administrative Management (NAFIAM), which will provide specialised training in administration, management and public relations to strengthen professional capacity within the Service. The CAS also commissioned the residence of the Air Officer Commanding Mobility Command and performed the groundbreaking ceremony for additional infrastructure projects within the base before touring facilities at Headquarters Mobility Command. Addressing personnel during a durbar, Air Marshal Aneke commended their professionalism, stating: “Mobility Command remains the logistical engine room of the Nigerian Air Force… it provides the reach, sustainability and operational depth that enable the Nigerian Air Force to project decisive airpower across the country.” Earlier, the Air Officer Commanding Mobility Command, Air Vice Marshal Michael Onyebashi, welcomed the CAS and assured him of the Command’s continued commitment to professionalism and operational readiness.

The CAS was accompanied on the visit by the President of the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA), Mrs Ngozi Aneke.