The Cross River State Government and the Nigerian Air Force have pledged to deepen their partnership in strengthening security across the state, especially around strategic infrastructure and high-risk zones, to ensure safety for citizens and investors.

This commitment was renewed during a courtesy visit by the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Mobility Command of the Nigerian Air Force, Yenagoa, to the Government House in Calabar. The meeting, held in the Conference Room of the Deputy Governor, brought to light the evolving role of military-civilian cooperation in securing Cross River’s economic future.

Representing Governor Bassey Otu, Deputy Governor Peter Odey described the administration as ‘military-friendly’ and praised the Air Force and other security agencies for their role in maintaining peace and stability in the state.

“Cross River is building a new economy that will attract investments and tourists. From the Bakassi Deep Seaport to the African Development Bank’s agricultural project in Tinapa, we are setting up infrastructure that will need to be properly secured,” Odey said.

He acknowledged recent joint security operations, including the clearance of criminal elements from the waterfront areas, and hinted at future aerial support in difficult terrain where naval access is limited.

“The Nigerian Navy is finding it difficult to access some of the creek areas due to narrow tunnels. We believe a bit of air intervention, which only you can provide, will help us fully secure these zones,” the deputy governor noted.

He also pledged the state government’s support in upgrading the Air Force Primary School in Calabar, describing it as a necessary investment in quality education for military and civilian children alike.

In response, Sunday Anake, air officer commanding and air vice marshal, who was impressed by ongoing developments in the state, commended the Cross River Government for its hospitality and unwavering support.

“I am over-impressed with what I saw on the ground, particularly the road network inside the Air Force base. The aesthetics have completely transformed since I first visited here as a young officer 30 years ago,” he said.

While emphasising the Air Force’s commitment to security in the South-South region, he announced that surveillance and reconnaissance flights will soon be intensified over sensitive areas of Cross River State.

“Our mission is clear: any time, any weather, just give us a knock and we’ll respond with military precision. We are here not just to take from government, but to give full cooperation,” he assured.

The visit underscored the importance of synergy between security agencies and state authorities in tackling issues like cultism, oil bunkering, and kidnapping—threats that have previously disrupted peace in the region.