Air Force, Plateau Govt Strengthens Partnership

The Nigerian Air Force and the Plateau State government have strengthened their partnership to enhance peace and security on the Plateau.

The shared commitment was reached on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, when the Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, paid a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Headquarters, Abuja, where he met with the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke.

A statement by the NAF Spokesman, Air Cdre Ehimen Ejodame, underscored that the visit highlighted the Governor’s commitment to leveraging strategic federal partnerships to address the evolving security challenges confronting Plateau State and the wider North Central region.

Governor Mutfwang congratulated Air Marshal Aneke on his appointment as the 23rd Chief of the Air Staff. He commended the Nigerian Air Force for its sustained efforts in maintaining peace and responding to security threats in the state.

He acknowledged the complex nature of the security environment, noting that “we are dealing with asymmetric warfare, and it is challenging”.

The Governor emphasised the importance of sustained cooperation, particularly during festive and farming seasons when threats to peace and stability are often heightened.

He reaffirmed the Plateau State Government’s readiness to continue supporting NAF operations, stressing that adequate security requires close coordination between federal and state authorities.

He noted that strengthened collaboration with the Air Force remains critical to protecting lives, securing livelihoods, and creating a stable environment for socio-economic activities across the state.

Air Marshal Aneke, in his response, reiterated the NAF’s unwavering commitment to its Command Philosophy of building a “highly motivated, professional, and mission-ready force” capable of delivering decisive airpower effects in support of joint operations. He highlighted the Air Force’s ongoing contributions to peace and stability in Plateau State and the North Central region through targeted Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance missions, air mobility support, and close coordination with sister services and other security agencies.

The CAS appreciated the Plateau State Government for providing a conducive environment for NAF personnel and operations, noting that “the support and cooperation of host communities and state governments are vital to sustaining operational effectiveness and achieving lasting security outcomes.” He assured the Governor and the people of Plateau State of the NAF’s continued commitment to deploying professional, intelligence-driven operations in support of national security objectives.

“Both leaders agreed on the need to further strengthen their partnership through capability development, optimised training, and a whole-of-government approach to security that promotes integrated action across all levels of government and security institutions,” he said.

The engagement concluded with a shared commitment to enhancing peace, safety, and public confidence, reaffirming the collective resolve of the Nigerian Air Force and the Plateau State Government to safeguard lives and foster sustainable development across the state and the nation as a whole.