The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commissioned a reconstructed runway and military apron in Rivers State as part of efforts to strengthen its operational capability, enhance mission readiness and improve support for security operations across the South-South region.
The facilities were inaugurated by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, who described the project as a major milestone in the NAF’s drive to build a more agile, responsive and mission-ready force capable of addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Air Marshal Aneke said the upgraded infrastructure would significantly improve aircraft deployment, maintenance and turnaround time, as well as overall operational efficiency.
He commended the Rivers State Government, under Governor Siminalayi Fubara, for providing funding and support for the reconstruction project.
Interventions
The CAS also acknowledged the state government’s earlier handover of an AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter to the NAF, describing both interventions as practical contributions to strengthening security in Rivers State and the country at large.
According to him, reliable aviation infrastructure is critical to effective military operations, noting that the reconstructed runway and military apron would increase the number of missions the airport can support while enhancing the effectiveness of the NAF fleet.
“The new runway and apron will increase our readiness, increase the number of missions the airport can support, and make our fleet more effective,” Aneke stated.
He explained that the enhanced facilities would improve surveillance and reconnaissance operations, facilitate faster aircraft turnaround and support rapid deployment in response to terrorism, insurgency, banditry, piracy, organised crime and illegal bunkering.
Beyond combat and security operations, the CAS said the infrastructure would strengthen the NAF’s capacity to provide humanitarian assistance and emergency response services, including medical evacuations, search-and-rescue operations, disaster relief and emergency air transport during crises such as floods and disease outbreaks.
Aneke also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his continued support for defence infrastructure development, equipment acquisition and personnel welfare.
He further acknowledged the contributions of the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, other security agencies, project engineers, contractors and host communities whose cooperation ensured the successful completion of the project.
Defence Capabilities
The CAS said the commissioning represented more than infrastructure development, describing it as a demonstration of the NAF’s commitment to strengthening national defence capabilities while enhancing civil-military cooperation and humanitarian response.
With the reconstructed runway and military apron now operational, the NAF is expected to improve its response to security threats and emergencies, further reinforcing its role as a key pillar of national security and a dependable national response asset.
According to Aneke, the project reflects a shared vision and partnership aimed at promoting peace, security and prosperity in Rivers State and across Nigeria.
