The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has established a Forward Operational Base (FOB) in Akwa Ibom State to strengthen its security presence and enhance operational effectiveness in the South-South region of Nigeria.
This strategic development was announced during a courtesy visit by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, in Uyo.
According to a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by the Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the establishment of the base is expected to play a significant role in improving air power projection and maritime security, especially within the Gulf of Guinea corridor.
The Akwa Ibom State Government donated the land used for the establishment of the base, a move which Abubakar described as a substantial contribution to Nigeria’s national security architecture. He also noted that the base would help ensure the safety of lives and property in the region.
Air Marshal Abubakar stated that the presence of the Forward Operational Base would also foster a more secure environment for commerce, tourism, and investment within Akwa Ibom and the surrounding areas.
He emphasized that the facility would reinforce the Nigerian Air Force’s operational reach, particularly in addressing emerging security threats in the region. This includes enhancing surveillance, providing rapid response capabilities, and deterring criminal activities such as piracy and oil theft.
According to Abubakar, the establishment of the base is not just a military milestone but a catalyst for broader socio-economic development. He said the NAF remains committed to collaborating with local authorities to ensure lasting peace and security.
“The base will further assure the safety and security of persons and property and foster Akwa Ibom as a destination for investment and tourism,” Air Marshal Abubakar said.
He also highlighted the critical role that the Nigerian Air Force plays in securing Nigeria’s maritime borders and oil-rich areas in the South-South. He noted that a forward presence in Akwa Ibom would be pivotal to maintaining security in the Gulf of Guinea and beyond.
Governor Umo Eno, in his remarks, welcomed the NAF delegation and reiterated his administration’s commitment to working closely with the military to secure the state.
He stated that the decision to allocate land for the base was informed by the growing strategic importance of Akwa Ibom in Nigeria’s security framework. Governor Eno noted that a secure environment is essential for attracting investment and fostering economic growth.
“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,” the governor said.
He further expressed confidence that the establishment of the Forward Operational Base would bring tangible benefits to the state, including increased investor interest, enhanced public safety, and improved national defense capability in the region.
The announcement comes amid continued efforts by the Nigerian government to enhance its defense infrastructure and ensure stability in regions affected by maritime threats and other security challenges.
The Forward Operational Base in Akwa Ibom is expected to serve as a critical hub for the Nigerian Air Force’s operations in the South-South, providing enhanced logistical and tactical support to ongoing missions.
As security challenges evolve, especially in the oil-producing Niger Delta region and the Gulf of Guinea, military analysts see the establishment of the new base as a timely and strategic move by the Nigerian Air Force.
With Akwa Ibom’s coastal location and increasing relevance in national development discussions, the base is anticipated to be an essential component of Nigeria’s broader security posture in the southern corridor.
