EKET WELCOMES NAF BASE AS CHIEF OF AIR STAFF, COUNCIL CHAIR PLEDGE PARTNERSHIP.

EKET WELCOMES NAF BASE AS CHIEF OF AIR STAFF, COUNCIL CHAIR PLEDGE PARTNERSHIP.

– ” NAF personnel would operate with professionalism, discipline, and respect for the traditions of the local community.”- Air Chief

– ” Governor Eno’s commitment to peace and security had been instrumental.” – Akan Tommey

By: Daniel Edon 01/05/26

The Nigerian Air Force has restated its commitment to establishing a strategic base in Eket to protect critical infrastructure and enhance security in the Niger Delta, with local authorities describing the project as vital for peace and economic growth in the oil-producing community.

Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, speaking during a security meeting in Eket on Thursday, said the proposed 309 Composite Base reflects the NAF’s “unwavering commitment” to strengthening security, peace, and development in the region.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to safeguarding critical national infrastructure, providing enhanced security coverage, and responding swiftly to emerging threats in the Niger Delta,” Aneke said.

He noted that the base aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s drive to modernise national defence through investments in equipment, training, and logistics. “The strategic positioning of the Eket base would leverage these resources, contributing significantly to the region’s security and socio-economic stability,” he added.

Eket is a major oil and gas hub in Akwa Ibom State, hosting assets including ExxonMobil’s Qua Iboe Terminal. The area faces threats from crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, sea piracy, and illegal bunkering — activities that disrupt production and impact national revenue.

Aneke stressed that the success of the base depends on community partnership. “Security thrives on trust. The Nigerian Air Force cannot succeed alone. We rely on your partnership, support, and timely sharing of information to ensure the success of our operations and the continued peace and prosperity of the Niger Delta,” he said.

He assured residents that NAF personnel would operate with “professionalism, discipline, and respect for the traditions of the local community.”

“We are not just a security presence, but partners in progress, committed to contributing to the peace and stability of Eket and Akwa Ibom State,” Aneke declared.

Beyond security, he pledged NAF engagement with community leaders on youth empowerment, civil-military cooperation, and humanitarian support where needed.

The Executive Chairman of Eket Local Government, Mkpisong Akaniyene Tommey, described the proposed base as a “welcome development” that will boost security and growth.

Tommey spoke on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Eket, HRM Edidem E.C.D. Abia, while receiving Air Marshal Aneke during an inspection of facilities for the 309 Composite Group.

“The visit represents a significant step towards establishing a strategic Air Force presence in our area,” Tommey said.

He thanked Governor Umo Bassey Eno for facilitating the project, saying the governor’s commitment to peace and security had been “instrumental.”

“His support in facilitating the establishment of a Nigerian Air Force base in Eket will greatly enhance safety, stability, and economic confidence in our region,” Tommey said. He pledged Eket’s full support and readiness to partner with the Air Force.

The Paramount Ruler, HRM Etim Abia, assured the Air Chief of the community’s cooperation. “You will find Eket a very hospitable place, and we are confident that the base will bring development and protection to our people,” he said.

Abia thanked President Tinubu for siting the base in Eket, noting its strategic significance in protecting assets around the Gulf of Guinea. He also commended Governor Eno for his role and thanked the Chief of Air Staff for “making it a reality.”

Aneke reiterated that the 309 Composite Group is designed to “enhance the protection of critical infrastructure, improve surveillance and ensure rapid response to security challenges within the region.”

“This unit in Eket is well positioned to leverage the strategic intervention that will contribute meaningfully to the security and socioeconomic stability of our people,” he said.

The collaborative effort, Aneke said, “marks a new chapter in the ongoing security and development of the Niger Delta, reinforcing the Nigerian Air Force’s role as a key partner in the region’s peace and progress.”

As a mother of Eket, Her Royal Majesty Obongawan Mandu Abia presented food items to the Chief of Air Staff: Palm Oil(Edeg Ekid) Crayfish(Abugh Ekid), Fresh scent Pepper (Akpug ntohokon), Dry fish (Iyak Ekid), plantain( Mmanayong Ekid) and many other items.

Highpoint of the event was the presentation of official map of Akwa Ibom State to the Chief of Air Staff, and the visitor equally presented an award of appreciation to the Eket monarch.

Stakeholders at the Thursday meeting included Commissioner for Internal Security and waterways, Obonganwan Mandu Abia; Sen. Archbishop Helen Esuene; President General of Ekid People’s Union, Dr. Samuel Udonsak; Prof. Etie Ben Akpan; Air Cdre Charles Uso (Rtd); President of Afigh Iwaad Ekid, Obongiwaad Willie Mbong, Vice Chairman of Eket, Chief of Staff to Eket House member, Richard Ekanem, Eket Chapter Chairman of APC, Hon. Inyang Ebuk, Former Chairman of Eket LGA, Pastor Emmanuel Udoh, former Transition Chairman of Eket, Hon. Abigail Edohoeket, village heads of Airforce host communities, community leaders, political leaders, councillors and supervisors of Eket Local Government and Youth and women representives.