Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working closely with the Nigerian Air Force to improve security across the state, especially in tackling oil theft and other criminal activities.
The governor made this known while hosting the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, during his first official visit to Rivers State.
Fubara explained that the state government’s support for the Air Force, including the donation of an aircraft in 2025, was a deliberate move approved by the State Executive Council to enhance security operations. He noted that the aircraft was donated because the state was not using it and believed it would be more beneficial in the hands of security agencies.
He also stated that upgrading the Nigerian Air Force base in Port Harcourt would improve operational efficiency, allowing the Air Force to carry out air missions discreetly rather than relying on the international airport where operational plans could easily be exposed.
According to the governor, strengthening security will ultimately lead to increased revenue for the state. He emphasized that protecting lives and property remains a top priority for his administration.
Fubara further reiterated the government’s willingness to support the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA) in establishing a school for children with special needs.
Regarding requests for the transfer of a public primary school located within the Air Force base and the nearby Mother and Child Hospital to the Nigerian Air Force, the governor said the state would first conduct the necessary assessments before making a decision.
He also praised Air Force personnel for their dedication to national service, noting that reaching high ranks in the military is an achievement attained by only a few.
In his remarks, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, described Rivers State as strategically important to Nigeria because of its oil resources and key federal facilities. He assured that the Air Force would continue to support the state and the country in maintaining security.
Aneke commended the Rivers State Government for its various interventions, including the aircraft donation, provision of residential accommodation, and the resurfacing of the runway at the Port Harcourt Air Force base, which he described as meeting global standards.
He also requested that the state transfer the public primary school located within the base, as well as the nearby Mother and Child Healthcare facility, to the Air Force to enable better utilization.
Additionally, Aneke proposed deeper collaboration on security surveillance, suggesting that the state government acquire unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) to be operated by trained Air Force personnel.
According to him, modern security operations increasingly depend on technology and strategic intelligence rather than the number of personnel, adding that the use of drones would help Rivers State “fight smart” against security threats.
