Nigerian Air Force Uses Nearly 10 Million Litres of Fuel in 2,900 Security Sorties

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it recorded more than 2,900 sorties and over 6,100 flying hours in support of national security operations between November 2025 and September 2026, consuming nearly 10 million litres of Jet A-1 aviation fuel during the period.

The figures were disclosed in a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, ahead of the first anniversary of Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, in office on October 30, 2026.

The Air Force said the missions formed part of its continuing operations to counter security threats and provide aerial support to ground forces. The disclosure also highlights the substantial fuel and operational resources required to sustain military aviation activities.

According to the NAF, the missions included precision air strikes, armed reconnaissance, surveillance and close air support for surface forces.

The service said its operations were planned around actionable intelligence, clearly defined objectives and assessments of mission outcomes. It added that the approach was intended to ensure that each sortie served a specific operational purpose.

However, the figures released by the Air Force do not provide a detailed breakdown of the sorties by state, theatre of operation, mission type or individual security operation. The statement also does not independently establish the overall effect of the missions on security conditions across the country.

Beyond its operational figures, the NAF reported ongoing efforts to improve aircraft availability and expand its fleet.

The service said six L-39ZA aircraft were undergoing reactivation and upgrades in Slovakia and Nigeria, while periodic depot maintenance on a C-130 aircraft was continuing in Portugal.

It also reported receiving five helicopters in September 2026: three AW-109 Trekker Type B helicopters and two H125 helicopters.

The Air Force said it was pursuing the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters, alongside other aircraft and unmanned aerial systems. These acquisitions remain planned procurements and should not be interpreted as deliveries already completed.

The service said fleet modernisation, maintenance and technical development were among the priorities under its current leadership.

The NAF also reported progress on infrastructure and personnel initiatives. According to the service, 284 projects had been approved, of which 145 were completed and 139 remained ongoing.

The projects cover accommodation, medical and academic facilities, administrative and operational infrastructure, roads, electricity, water supply and recreational facilities.

On personnel development, the Air Force said more than 550 personnel participated in international training and professional engagements, while over 6,000 received local training to strengthen technical skills, specialist capabilities and leadership.

The service also reported promotions involving 57 senior officers, 1,534 senior non-commissioned officers and 1,936 non-commissioned officers.

The Air Force said it had established an Operational and Safety Audit Committee and was strengthening its Safety Management System as part of efforts to improve aviation safety and institutional accountability.

It also reported developing measures to prevent and respond to civilian harm during operations, including standardised training and stronger assessment and investigation capabilities.

In addition, the service said it was pursuing local production initiatives involving selected aviation and military equipment, including aircraft release devices, a bomb-loading trolley and locally produced 57-millimetre rockets undergoing development and ground testing.

Plans are also underway, according to the NAF, to establish an Open-Source Intelligence Centre to support situational awareness and operational planning.

The nearly 10 million litres of Jet A-1 fuel consumed during the 11-month reporting period illustrate the logistical demands of sustaining air operations at this scale.

The Air Force did not provide a detailed fuel-cost breakdown in the operational figures cited, nor did the announcement specify the amount spent on fuel for each mission. A full assessment of the programme's cost-effectiveness would require additional information on expenditure, mission outcomes and the operational requirements involved.

The NAF said it remained focused on operational effectiveness, personnel welfare, technological advancement and institutional accountability as it works with other security agencies to address Nigeria's security challenges.

247NewsCheck.com will continue to follow developments in the Nigerian Air Force’s operations, spending, fleet modernisation and security responsibilities as further verified information becomes available.