By Helen Udo,Outlook Media ABUJA.
The 115 Special Operations Group, Nigerian Air Force, Port Harcourt, has received glowing commendations from the Directorate of Media Operations, Defence Headquarters (DHQ), for its outstanding role in combating oil theft, vandalism, and criminality across the Niger Delta. This recognition was delivered during an operational briefing led by Navy Commander G. Egbunu, Staff Officer Grade 1, Media Operations, representing the Director of Media Operations, Maj. Gen. M.G. Kangye.
At the heart of this commendable success is Group Captain Abdulafeez Opaleye, Commander of the 115 Operations Group, whose purposeful leadership, tactical depth, and unwavering dedication have repositioned the unit as one of Nigeria’s most formidable aerial strike and surveillance teams.
Referred to as the “home of combat helicopters,” the 115 Operations Group serves as the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), responsible for the protection of national assets in the oil-rich Niger Delta and for delivering critical combat support to surface forces. The unit has shown exceptional competence in executing air missions including Close Air Support, Armed Escort, Air Interdictions, Combat Air Patrols, and Casualty Evacuation.
Providing insight into the group’s activities, Fit Lt. I.H. Adamu (SO1 Ops, 150 Wing) highlighted that the unit’s available air assets include EC-135 helicopters for light combat and liaison roles, and T-129 Atak helicopters for offensive air operations. Additionally, efforts are ongoing to reactivate a Mi-35P helicopter, which will significantly enhance the group’s firepower. When required, Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are deployed from HQ NAF to further strengthen mission success.
Between January 25 and the present, the 115 Operations Group has executed a total of 172 missions, amassing 268 hours and 40 minutes of flight time, and utilizing 87,938 liters of Jet A1 fuel. These missions have led to the destruction of 49 illegal cooking tanks, 16 boats, and 20 large reservoirs, severely disrupting the operations of oil thieves and economic saboteurs.
The air group’s daring missions deep into the creeks have compelled criminal elements to flee their hideouts and abandon illicit refining camps. Notable among these missions was a precision air raid carried out at Egbema Ohaji on March 27, which neutralized a major illegal refining hub.
Under Group Capt. Abdulafeez Opaleye’s visionary command, the 115 Operations Group has also deployed ground personnel in joint internal security operations with other agencies, effectively policing volatile communities and deterring organized crime.
His style of leadership—marked by calm discipline, strategic foresight, and motivational command—has earned him admiration among officers and men alike. Group Capt. Opaleye’s ability to harmonize aerial intelligence with tactical response on the ground has been key to the success of ongoing anti-crude oil theft operations and internal security efforts.
The operational briefing not only showcased the technological capacity and operational readiness of the unit but also celebrated the courage, professionalism, and sacrifices of the Nigerian Air Force personnel flying and fighting to keep Nigeria secure.
As the 115 Operations Group continues to fly high and strike hard, it is clear that Nigeria’s security architecture is stronger and more agile—thanks in no small part to the bold and effective leadership of Group Capt. Abdulafeez Opaleye and his dedicated team.
