The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Dr Peter Odey, has stressed the importance of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF)’s presence in the state.
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.
He spoke when he received Air Vice Marshal Sunday Anake, the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Mobility Command of the Nigerian Air Force, Yenagoa, at the state Government House in Calabar on behalf of Governor Bassey Otu.
“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. This is why the presence of NAF is even more important,” Odey said.
Odey noted that where the Nigerian Navy cannot access some creeks where criminal elements hold away, the NAF should be able to handle it effectively.
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.
Responding, the NAF boss said he was impressed by ongoing developments in the state, applauding support extended to NAF by the state government, particularly the road network inside the Air Force base.
He said NAF was committed to security in the South-South region, including the state.
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 the 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.
