Governor Fubara reaffirms partnership with the Nigerian Air Force to…

[Press Release] Rivers State Governor, His Excellency Sir Sininalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his administration’s support for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), saying collaboration between government and security services will help curb insecurity and crime such as pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering of oil in waterways across the state.

The governor stated this on Thursday while hosting the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, who was on a courtesy visit to Government House, Port Harcourt. Governor Siminnalyi Fubara recalled that Rivers State and the Nigerian Air Force have been “wonderful partners” over the years, adding that successive administrations have continued to maintain that age-old relationship.

. “My predecessors have always shown good cooperation, good working relationship with the Nigerian Air Force. You remember a few years ago when the international airport was closed, it was the NAF base that provided us access to air transportation during that period until the international airport was rehabilitated and reopened,
So, the fact that my administration supports the Nigerian Air Force is not a mistake. It’s about continuing that particular relationship, understanding and vision that the predecessors had before I arrived. So I didn’t have to blink or think about it,” he said

The governor said the recent donation of the Augusta 139 helicopter to the NAF was a decision of the State Executive Council which took into consideration the fact that the asset, which is lying idle, will be useful to the NAF in its task of ensuring security of the State.

“It was just a decision of the executive council that we have this particular aircraft and we are not using it and if it is needed by the Nigerian Air Force, the least we can do for them they take it and help fight insecurity, especially in our waterways due to oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism. It is wise for us to say let’s use it because we believe that putting that particular aircraft into use will go a long way in combating these criminal elements that we have around us,” he said.

Governor Fubara disclosed that the upgrade of the NAF base runway also provides the security agency with the discreet environment required for sensitive operations that would otherwise be exposed if carried out in a public facility such as the Port Harcourt International Airport.

Governor Fubara, who also spoke about the broader role of the military in society, said he was happy to see people providing security, while also talking about education and the health of people in his communities. He promised to look into requests made by the Chief of Air Staff on the possible handover of a public school and health facility to the NAF for better use.
“We want to assure you that our relationship with the Air Force is unshakable. Unshakable because we need you as much as you need us. Without you and other arms, I don’t think we will have this peaceful, business-friendly environment that we enjoy in Rivers State,” the governor said.

In his remarks, Air Marshal Aneke commended the state government for the rehabilitation of the air force base runway, as well as the delivery of an Augusta (AW) 139 helicopter and other support in infrastructure, accommodation and logistics.

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Air Marshal Aneke also proposed that the Air Force take over the management of the state-owned maternal and child hospital and the state-owned primary school located within the NAF base.

“In most developed climates, military hospitals are the most sophisticated. Currently, approximately 80 percent of outpatients who visit our base hospital are members of the host community. The relocation of the Mother and Child Hospital will allow us to maximize that facility by facilitating access during emergencies,” he said.

According to the CAS, Rivers State remains one of the strategic states in the country, given its central role in oil and gas production and its importance in maritime activities. The Nigerian Air Force plays a critical role in securing oil and gas infrastructure and key national assets in Rivers State.

“It is a duty that we carry out with pride.
Our efforts here have helped improve production and consequently increase revenue for both Rivers State and the federation. I wish to sincerely appreciate you and the good people of Rivers State for the strong and consistent support you have extended to the Nigerian Air Force over the years. You have been an exceptional host, you have treated us in the most amiable manner and we assure you that we will continue to be here to serve and protect your interests as the people of Rivers State,” Aneke said

The CAS urged the state government to adopt modern and surveillance-based security systems to stay ahead of oil thieves, pipeline vandals and other criminal elements in the society.

“I would like Rivers State to fight intelligently. Now it is no longer a question of numbers; but of modes of operation. In today’s warfare, drones and UAVs have changed the rules of the game. You can keep a drone flying for two days, without refueling, and within five minutes tell the police where to position themselves,” he said.

Onwuka Nzeshi,
Chief Press Secretary to the Rivers State Governor.
05 March 2026

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