The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has strengthened its operational capability and mission readiness with the commissioning of a reconstructed runway and military apron in Rivers State.
The upgraded facilities, commissioned by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, are expected to enhance aircraft deployment, turnaround time, maintenance and overall operational efficiency, particularly in support of security operations across the South-South region.
The project is part of the NAF’s ongoing efforts to improve the infrastructure and systems required to maintain a responsive, agile and mission-ready force.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, 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 commendable example of state-level contribution to national defence, while also acknowledging the state government’s role in the handover of an AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter to the NAF.
According to him, the investments demonstrate Rivers State’s commitment to strengthening security and supporting broader national security objectives.
The CAS stressed that reliable aviation infrastructure was critical to effective military operations, noting that the reconstructed runway and apron would expand the airport’s operational capacity.
“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,” Aneke said.
He explained that the upgraded facilities would enhance surveillance and reconnaissance, facilitate faster aircraft turnaround and enable the NAF to deploy more rapidly in response to emerging security threats.
These, he said, include terrorism, insurgency, banditry, piracy, organised crime and illegal bunkering.
Beyond military operations, Aneke said the improved infrastructure would strengthen the NAF’s ability to respond to humanitarian emergencies and provide critical assistance to affected communities.
He listed medical evacuation, search-and-rescue operations, disaster relief and rapid air transportation during emergencies such as floods and epidemics among the missions that would benefit from the upgraded facilities.
The development, he said, further reinforces the NAF’s role as both a key pillar of national defence and a strategic national response asset capable of reaching communities quickly when lives are at risk.
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 Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs and heads of security and intelligence agencies.
The CAS commended the engineers, contractors, project managers, site supervisors and NAF personnel whose professionalism ensured the project was completed within the set timeline without disrupting ongoing operations.
He also appreciated the surrounding communities for their cooperation throughout the project.
Aneke said the commissioning represented more than the completion of an infrastructure project, describing it as another demonstration of the NAF’s determination to build a stronger, more agile and capable force.
With the enhanced facilities now available, he said the NAF would be better positioned to support security operations, pilot training, logistics, civil-military relations and humanitarian missions.
The CAS described the project as a product of “a shared vision, partnership, and careful planning,” expressed confidence that the facilities would contribute to peace, security and prosperity in Rivers State and Nigeria.
