Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has commended the Nigerian Air Force for expanding its operational footprint in the state, describing the move as a major boost to peace, investor confidence, and economic growth in the Niger Delta.

Mr Eno gave the commendation during the operational visit of chief of the air staff, Sunday Aneke, to the state, according to a statement by the air force on Friday.

The governor said the establishment and operationalisation of the 309 Composite Group in Eket would significantly deter criminality, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure, and reinforce stability across the state and the wider Niger Delta region.

According to him, security remains fundamental to economic development, adding that the presence of the NAF unit would stimulate business activities and attract investments into the state.

“The operationalisation of this unit is a major boost to peace, stability, and economic activities within Akwa Ibom state and the wider Niger Delta region,” the governor said.

The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustained collaboration with the NAF to ensure a secure environment for residents and investors.

Mr Aneke commended the Akwa Ibom State government for its support in facilitating the establishment of the unit.

He said the 309 Composite Group would serve as a strategic forward operating base for enhanced intelligence, surveillance, and rapid response operations.

The CAS said the unit would play a critical role in safeguarding vital economic assets and strengthening national security.

“The establishment of the 309 Composite Group is a strategic step towards protecting critical infrastructure that is central to Nigeria’s prosperity,” he said.

Mr Aneke also met with the paramount ruler of Eket, Edidem Charles D. Abia, and other stakeholders, where he called for strengthened civil-military cooperation to support ongoing security operations.

He emphasised that effective security outcomes depend on trust, intelligence-sharing, and active community participation.

The air officer commanding mobility command, Michael Onyebashi, said the unit had attained significant operational readiness and remained committed to executing its mandate with professionalism and precision.

Mr Onyebashi assured that the unit’s personnel were fully aligned with the CAS’s directive to uphold high standards of discipline and operational effectiveness.

The visit featured strategic engagements with stakeholders and inspection of facilities at the 309 Composite Group, underscoring the NAF’s renewed efforts to enhance security and support economic stability in the Niger Delta.

(NAN)