…says new NAF base would play a critical role in enhancing maritime security, particularly within the Gulf of Guinea corridor.
UYO, NIGERIA – The iNews Times reports that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has established a Forward Operational Base (FOB) in Akwa Ibom State as part of efforts to strengthen security infrastructure and air power projection in the South-South region.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, made the disclosure during a courtesy visit to Governor Umo Eno at the Government House in Uyo, the state capital. His remarks were captured in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by the Director of Public Relations and Information for the NAF, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet.
Air Marshal Abubakar explained that the new base, made possible by a land donation from the Akwa Ibom State Government, would play a critical role in enhancing maritime security, particularly within the Gulf of Guinea corridor.
“This Forward Operational Base will not only enhance our capacity for air power projection but will also bolster the safety and security of the South-South region,” he said. “It is a strategic move that promises to encourage civil commerce, attract investment, and promote tourism in Akwa Ibom.”
He added that the gesture by the state government represents a significant boost to Nigeria’s overall security framework and expressed NAF’s commitment to sustaining the safety of lives and property across the region.
In his response, Governor Umo Eno described the Air Force’s presence as a testament to Akwa Ibom’s growing importance in the nation’s security architecture.
“We believe that a safe and secure society is the bedrock of development, and we are glad to partner with the Nigerian Air Force to achieve that objective,” the governor said.
Governor Eno pledged continued support for the military, emphasizing that the establishment of the FOB aligns with his administration’s broader vision of turning Akwa Ibom into a hub for peace, progress, and prosperity.
