NAF, NNPC strengthen joint security strategy to safeguard Nigeria’s energy infrastructure

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited have agreed to deepen their strategic collaboration to better protect the country’s vital oil and gas infrastructure. The renewed commitment followed a courtesy visit by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, to the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, on 25 November 2025 in Abuja.

During the meeting, Air Marshal Aneke stressed that securing energy facilities is central to Nigeria’s economic stability and to the success of ongoing national development efforts under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He said the Air Force remains committed to safeguarding oil pipelines, flow stations, offshore platforms and other installations that form the backbone of the nation’s energy supply chain.

According to the CAS, improved coordination among security agencies has reduced oil theft and contributed to higher national output. He emphasized the need to build on these gains by adopting innovative, technology-driven security measures. Aneke added that the NAF is enhancing its intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to support early threat detection, swift response and long-term deterrence against criminal and insurgent activities.

He further highlighted the importance of NAF’s expanding maritime security operations, supported by modern surveillance platforms and integrated command structures. Aligning these capabilities with NNPC’s operational priorities, he said, would strengthen protection of energy corridors and ensure uninterrupted supply,critical for sustained economic recovery and growth.

In his remarks, NNPC GCEO Engr. Ojulari praised the Air Force for its consistent role in national security and described the enhanced partnership as timely. He noted that as NNPC scales up investments and production in line with presidential directives, stronger security collaboration is essential to guarantee energy security and provide a safer environment for industry operators.

Ojulari assured the CAS that NNPC will continue to work closely with the Air Force through intelligence sharing, joint operational planning, and expanded deployment of advanced security technologies to protect vulnerable national assets.

Air Marshal Aneke reaffirmed the NAF’s readiness to remain a reliable partner in safeguarding national resources and countering threats posed by insurgents, vandals and other criminal elements. He noted that the strengthened partnership would not only bolster maritime and coastal security but also contribute significantly to Nigeria’s broader economic and national development goals.

The visit reinforced the commitment of both institutions to collaborate more closely in securing Nigeria’s critical oil and gas infrastructure.