Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria – March 5, 2026
The Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Kelvin Aneke, on March 5, 2026, conducted a strategic operational visit to the Nigerian Air Force Base in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he commissioned key infrastructure projects, inspected operational facilities, and reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Air Force to safeguarding Nigeria’s vital oil and gas assets in the Niger Delta.
During the visit to the 115 Special Operations Group (115 SOG), the home of the Nigerian Air Force’s combat helicopters, the Chief of the Air Staff commissioned newly constructed and renovated facilities, including a modern briefing room complex and additional operational buildings designed to enhance planning and command coordination.
He also inspected several critical operational facilities at the base, including the runway and apron VIP areas, aircraft hangar and the NAF Hospital. The CAS noted that modern infrastructure remains essential for maintaining high operational standards and ensuring mission effectiveness.
As part of his engagements in the state, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke paid a maiden courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, where he expressed appreciation for the state government’s sustained support to the Nigerian Air Force.
The CAS acknowledged several contributions by the state government, including the handover of an Agusta 139 Helicopter, the rehabilitation and resurfacing of the runway and aprons at the NAF Base in Port Harcourt, the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy for the base, and the construction of two blocks of twelve two-bedroom residential accommodation units for Nigerian Air Force personnel.
In his response, Governor Siminalayi Fubara commended the Nigerian Air Force for its critical role in protecting strategic national assets and combating economic sabotage in the Niger Delta. He assured the CAS of his administration’s continued support in strengthening the operational presence of the service in the state.
Addressing officers, airmen and airwomen during a durbar at the base, the Chief of the Air Staff reiterated his command philosophy of building a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower in synergy with surface forces to achieve national security objectives.
He emphasised that personnel welfare remains central to operational success, noting that the Nigerian Air Force is accelerating infrastructure and accommodation projects across its bases nationwide.
The CAS also commended the leadership and personnel of the 115 Special Operations Group for their operational achievements, particularly the execution of 495 missions in 2025 in support of counter–illegal bunkering operations, protection of critical oil infrastructure and other national security tasks.
He urged personnel to continue to “fly smart” by ensuring that every mission is based on timely and actionable intelligence capable of delivering measurable operational results.