The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) have deepened cooperation aimed at improving the protection of Nigeria’s vital oil and gas infrastructure.

The renewed partnership took shape during a courtesy visit by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, to NNPC’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, at the company’s headquarters in Abuja.

According to a statement issued by NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Air Force chief emphasized that safeguarding pipelines, offshore platforms, flow stations, and other strategic facilities is essential to stabilizing the nation’s economy. He added that the effort aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to strengthen energy security and block revenue leakages caused by crude oil theft and sabotage.

Aneke noted that increased collaboration among security agencies has already contributed to a noticeable drop in oil theft. He said the Air Force is expanding its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions to detect emerging threats and respond more effectively. He also highlighted ongoing improvements in NAF’s maritime operations to ensure uninterrupted production and distribution.

The Air Chief reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to assisting NNPC in confronting criminal networks targeting the energy sector and maintaining the safety of national assets.

In his response, NNPC’s CEO, Bayo Ojulari, praised the Air Force for its consistent support. He said the strengthened partnership would play a critical role in bolstering energy supply, securing production, and improving operational safety. Ojulari added that the company intends to broaden its cooperation with NAF through enhanced intelligence sharing, joint strategic planning, and deployment of advanced security technologies across high-risk locations.