NAF Boosts Air Power with Reconstructed Runway, Military Apron in Rivers

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, maintenance, turnaround time and overall operational efficiency, particularly in support of security operations across the South-South region.

The development is part of ongoing efforts by the NAF to improve the infrastructure and capabilities required to maintain a responsive, agile and mission-ready force.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Air Marshal 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, noting that the state government had also supported the NAF through the handover of an AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter.

According to the CAS, the investments demonstrate the Rivers State Government's commitment to strengthening security in the state and supporting Nigeria's wider national security objectives.

Aneke stressed that reliable aviation infrastructure remained critical to effective military operations, adding that the reconstructed runway and apron would expand the number of missions the airport could support while improving operational readiness.

“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,” he said.

He explained that the upgraded facilities would improve surveillance and reconnaissance operations, facilitate faster aircraft turnaround and enable rapid deployment in response to security threats, including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, piracy, organised crime and illegal bunkering.

Beyond military operations, the CAS said the facilities would enhance the NAF's capacity to provide humanitarian assistance and emergency response during crises.

He noted that the improved infrastructure would support medical evacuation, search-and-rescue operations, disaster relief and rapid air transportation during emergencies such as floods and epidemics in Rivers State and neighbouring areas.

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 towards strengthening the nation's security architecture.

The CAS commended the engineers, contractors, project managers, site supervisors and NAF personnel involved in the project for completing the work within the stipulated timeline without disrupting ongoing operations. He also appreciated the surrounding communities for their cooperation.

The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed the development in a statement.

The commissioning marks another step in the NAF's efforts to build a stronger and more capable force, with the upgraded facility expected to support security operations, pilot training, logistics, civil-military relations and humanitarian missions.

Aneke described the project as a product of “shared vision, partnership, and careful planning,” expressing confidence that it would contribute to peace, security and prosperity in Rivers State and Nigeria.