The Nigeria Air Force, NAF, has announced that they will intensify surveillance and reconnaissance flights over the South-South region airspace.
The Air Officer Commanding, AOC, Mobility Command of NAF, Yenagoa, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Anake, disclosed this when he called on Governor Bassey Otu in his office in Calabar.
He emphasized the Air Force’s commitment to security in the state, assuring that the surveillance and reconnaissance flights will be particularly intensified over sensitive areas of the state.
This followed an appeal by the state Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Odey, who represented Governor Otu during the courtesy visit.
Odey, who acknowledged recent joint security operations, including the clearance of criminal elements from the waterfront areas, had mentioned that the Nigerian Navy does find it difficult to access some of the creek areas due to narrow tunnels.
He appealed that the Air Force should come in with aerial support in the difficult terrain where naval access is limited.
“The Nigerian Navy is finding it difficult to access some of the creek areas due to narrow tunnels. We believe a bit of air intervention, which only you can provide, will help us fully secure these zones,” the Deputy Governor noted.
He also pledged the state government’s support in upgrading the Air Force Primary School in Calabar, describing it as a necessary investment in quality education for military and civilian children alike.
He pledged the government’s readiness to deepen their partnership in strengthening security across the state, especially around strategic infrastructure and high-risk zones, to ensure safety for citizens and investors.
The Air Force boss, Air Vice Marshal Anake, assured the state government that “Our mission is clear: any time, any weather, just give us a knock and we’ll respond with military precision. We are here not just to take from government, but to give full cooperation,” he assured.
