Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has commended the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for its intensified operational presence in the State, describing it as a decisive catalyst for peace, investor confidence, and sustainable economic growth.
Speaking during the operational visit of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, on 30 April 2026, the Governor noted that 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.
Governor Eno reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to sustaining collaboration with the NAF, emphasizing that security remains the bedrock of economic development.
He described the operationalisation of the Unit as a significant boost to peace, stability, and economic activities within the region. In his remarks, the CAS commended the State Government’s decisive support in fast-tracking the establishment of the Unit, noting that the 309 Composite Group serves as a critical forward operating base for enhanced intelligence, surveillance, and rapid response 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 stated.
At Eket, the CAS also engaged with the Paramount Ruler, HRM Edidem Charles D. Abia, and key stakeholders, where he underscored the importance of civil-military cooperation as a force multiplier in sustaining security gains.
Earlier, during an inspection of facilities at the 309 Composite Group, the Air Officer Commanding Mobility Command, Air Vice Marshal MN Onyebashi, affirmed the Unit’s growing operational readiness and capacity to execute missions with precision, assuring continued adherence to the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, and operational effectiveness in support of national security and economic stability.
