August 1, 2025
The recent allocation of land by the Akwa Ibom State Government for the establishment of a Forward Operational Base (FOB) for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) marks more than just a ceremonial handover, it is a powerful testament to growing civil-military collaboration in safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and critical national assets.
As Nigeria continues to navigate the intricacies of internal security challenges, from piracy and oil theft in the Niger Delta to broader insurgent activities in other regions, the strategic value of a permanent air force presence in the South-South cannot be overstated. The region, rich in hydrocarbon resources and economic infrastructure, has long remained a pressure point in Nigeria’s security calculus. With this land donation by Governor Umo Eno, Akwa Ibom signals its readiness to partner actively in fortifying national defence from within.
This editorial welcomes the Nigerian Air Force’s forward posture under the leadership of Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, which reflects a decisive shift from reactive defence to preemptive operational strategy. The establishment of a FOB in the region will offer more than logistical convenience. It promises enhanced aerial surveillance, faster response to maritime and inland threats, and stronger deterrence against criminal elements exploiting the region’s difficult terrain.
For the state, the presence of a military installation is not merely a security enhancement; it is also a potential economic catalyst. Military infrastructure often brings ancillary investments, employment opportunities, and infrastructural upgrades that can benefit host communities when managed with transparency and mutual respect.
However, this commendable development also invites deeper reflection on the broader framework of Nigeria’s security strategy. It highlights the need for continuous investments in modern equipment, intelligence coordination, and the welfare of armed forces personnel. Forward Operational Bases, no matter how well located, require sustained support, funding, and integration into a national defence doctrine that is adaptive and technologically driven.
Furthermore, community engagement must not be overlooked. History has shown that the success of military installations in civilian regions hinges largely on local buy-in. The Nigerian Air Force and state authorities must ensure that host communities are sensitized, empowered, and integrated into the security ecosystem. Civil-military relations must be built on trust, transparency, and accountability.
As the Air Force expands its footprint in the South-South, this editorial urges other state governments to adopt proactive security partnerships that reflect regional realities. The responsibility of national defence, especially in today’s asymmetrical threat environment, can no longer rest solely on Abuja. It must be shared, localized, and adapted to the unique challenges of each zone.
In sum, the Akwa Ibom land donation is a commendable blueprint for collaborative security governance. It strengthens Nigeria’s fight against insecurity and symbolizes a growing maturity in our federal structure, one where security is no longer viewed as a monolithic federal task but as a shared imperative, rooted in local ownership and national cohesion.