According to a report by Punch News, on Thursday, March 05, 2026, Siminalayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers State, has reaffirmed the support of his administration for the Nigerian Air Force, saying that cooperation between the state government and the security agency remains important in addressing security challenges in the state.
He said the collaboration would help strengthen efforts aimed at curbing insecurity and criminal activities in different parts of Rivers State, particularly along the waterways where cases of pipeline vandalism and illegal oil bunkering have been reported.
Siminalayi Fubara made the statement on Thursday while receiving Sunday Kelvin Aneke, Chief of Air Staff of the Nigerian Air Force, during a courtesy visit at Government House in Port Harcourt.
The meeting focused on security cooperation and the role of the Air Force in supporting efforts to maintain peace and stability in the state.
Siminalayi Fubara noted that Rivers State has maintained a long-standing partnership with the Nigerian Air Force over the years.
He explained that the relationship between the state government and the military institution has remained steady through successive administrations, with both sides working together on security matters affecting the state and surrounding areas.
Siminalayi Fubara said the continued cooperation between the government and the Air Force is necessary because of the strategic importance of Rivers State in the nation’s oil and gas sector.
He explained that protecting pipelines and other key infrastructure requires coordinated efforts among security agencies and the government.
Siminalayi Fubara also acknowledged the contributions of the Nigerian Air Force in supporting operations aimed at tackling criminal activities in the Niger Delta region.
He stated that the presence and operations of the Air Force have helped strengthen surveillance and security across areas where illegal activities have previously disrupted economic activities.
Siminalayi Fubara said previous administrations in Rivers State had maintained a strong working relationship with the Nigerian Air Force and ensured that cooperation between both institutions continued without interruption.
He said the existing partnership has contributed to maintaining stability and improving security coordination in the state.
Siminalayi Fubara stated that the relationship between the Rivers State Government and the Nigerian Air Force has remained productive over time, adding that previous leaders also encouraged cooperation with the military institution.
He said, “My predecessors have always shown good collaboration, good working relationship with the Nigerian Air Force.”