The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, has commended the Nigerian Air Force for what he described as its strengthened operational presence in the state, saying it has significantly improved security, boosted investor confidence, and supported economic stability.
- +PHOTOS: Eno hails NAF for strengthening security in Akwa Ibom
According to a post obtained from NAF’s X handle on Friday, Eno made the remarks during the operational visit of the Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Aneke, to Akwa Ibom State, where he inspected key facilities and engagements around the newly operational 309 Composite Group in Eket.
According to a post obtained from NAF’s X handle on Friday, Eno made the remarks during the operational visit of the Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Aneke, to Akwa Ibom State, where he inspected key facilities and engagements around the newly operational 309 Composite Group in Eket.
Describing the development as a major security milestone, the governor said the presence of the Air Force formation was already yielding visible results across the state and the Niger Delta region. The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno and Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke with delegatesduring the operational tourPhoto: NAF
“The establishment and operationalisation of the 309 Composite Group, Eket, represents a major strategic gain in deterring criminality, protecting critical national infrastructure, and reinforcing stability across Akwa Ibom State and the wider Niger Delta,” Eno said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continued collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force, stressing that security remains central to his government’s development agenda.
“Security is the bedrock of economic development. We will continue to work closely with all security agencies to ensure that Akwa Ibom remains one of the safest states in Nigeria,” he added.
Eno also noted that the improved security architecture was already translating into increased economic activities and greater confidence among investors operating in the state.
Aneke, in his remarks, commended the state government for its support in fast-tracking the establishment of the 309 Composite Group, describing it as a strategic asset for national security operations.
“We are fully committed to leveraging this platform to deliver decisive airpower effects in support of national security objectives and safeguard vital economic assets central to Nigeria’s prosperity,” he said.
He explained that the unit would play a key role in intelligence gathering, surveillance, and rapid response operations across the Niger Delta region.
During the visit, the CAS also met with traditional leaders, including the Paramount Ruler of Eket, Edidem Charles D. Abia, who emphasised the importance of strong civil-military cooperation.
“Civil-military collaboration remains essential in sustaining the security gains we are recording. It is a partnership that must continue to grow stronger,” he said.
Earlier, the Air Officer Commanding Mobility Command, MN Onyebashi, assured all that the 309 Composite Group was steadily improving its operational readiness.
“The unit is fully committed to professionalism, discipline, and mission effectiveness in support of national security and economic stability,” he stated.
The 309 Composite Group in Eket is expected to enhance surveillance, rapid deployment, and protection of critical infrastructure across Akwa Ibom State and surrounding areas, reinforcing ongoing security operations in the region.
