The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has established a Forward Operational Base (FOB) in Akwa Ibom to strengthen its operational capacity in the South-South region.
The Akwa Ibom government provided a parcel of land for the project.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, made this known during a courtesy visit to Governor Umo Eno in Uyo.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Friday in Abuja.
Abubakar said the base would bolster air power projection and maritime security in the region, particularly within the Gulf of Guinea corridor.
He described the state government’s gesture as a significant boost to national security infrastructure, with the added benefit of promoting commerce, investment, and tourism.
“The base will further assure the safety and security of persons and property and foster Akwa Ibom as a destination for investment and tourism,” he said.
The Air Chief reaffirmed NAF’s dedication to protecting lives and property, noting that the FOB would strengthen existing security measures and boost investor confidence in the area.
In his response, Governor Eno stated that the visit underscored Akwa Ibom’s increasing strategic importance in Nigeria’s security structure.
He assured continued support for the NAF, noting that security formed the basis of sustainable development.
“We believe that a safe and secure society is the bedrock of development, and we are glad to partner with the NAF to achieve that objective,” he said.
(NAN)