By Our Correspondent

National News – Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has praised the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for strengthening security operations in the state, following an operational visit by Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, to Eket.

The visit focused on the newly activated 309 Composite Group and its role in improving safety, protecting infrastructure, and boosting investor confidence across the Niger Delta region.

The visit took place in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, on an official operational engagement on May 1, 2026.

The key actors were Governor Umo Eno, Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, and senior Nigerian Air Force officers.

The purpose was to assess and strengthen the newly established 309 Composite Group, which is designed to enhance surveillance, intelligence gathering, rapid response operations, and protection of critical national assets in the Niger Delta.

Governor Eno described the presence of the Air Force formation as a major security milestone, noting that it has already begun to reduce criminal activity and improve safety across Akwa Ibom.

He said his administration prioritises security as a foundation for economic development and reaffirmed continued collaboration with all security agencies to maintain peace and stability in the state.

Aneke commended the Akwa Ibom State Government for supporting the establishment of the 309 Composite Group, saying it will significantly improve air operations, intelligence, and protection of key infrastructure.

He added that civil-military cooperation, including engagement with traditional rulers in Eket, remains vital to sustaining long-term security gains and regional stability across the Niger Delta.

The 309 Composite Group is expected to boost surveillance coverage, enable faster military response, and strengthen protection of oil facilities and other critical infrastructure in Akwa Ibom and surrounding states, thereby supporting economic growth and investor confidence in the region.

This development underscores Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to improve regional security architecture and safeguard economic assets through enhanced military collaboration and strategic deployment in the Niger Delta.

Authorities say the partnership will continue to expand operational effectiveness.