Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited have strengthened their partnership to protect critical oil and gas infrastructure in the country.

The Director of Public Relations at NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, in a statement stressed that the renewed partnership is vital to Nigeria’s economic stability.

He explained that this commitment was reaffirmed during a courtesy visit by the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, to the NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, in Abuja.

Air Marshal Aneke highlighted the strategic importance of securing pipelines, flow stations, offshore platforms, and other energy installations. 

He said strengthened protection would enhance productivity, reduce revenue losses, and support national development, noting that the NAF has already made significant progress in curbing oil theft in coordination with sister services and security agencies.

The CAS emphasised the role of technology and intelligence, including expanded surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities in proactive threat detection and rapid response. 

He added that closer alignment between NAF operations and NNPC priorities would ensure uninterrupted energy supply, increased production and overall economic resilience.

Ojulari commended the Air Force for its dedication, describing the collaboration as timely under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate for NNPC Ltd. to increase investment and productivity. 

He reaffirmed NNPC Ltd’s commitment to joint initiatives, including intelligence sharing, operational planning, and the deployment of modern security technologies to protect vulnerable assets.

Aneke reassured NNPC of NAF’s continued support, stating that the partnership would strengthen coastal and maritime security while countering threats from insurgents and criminal networks. 

He concluded that the deepened cooperation would not only safeguard national resources but also advance Nigeria’s broader development objectives.

​