As part of activities lined up for the 55th anniversary celebration of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), President Muhamadu Buhari Monday, at Eagle Square in Abuja commissioned two Agusta 109 power helicopters in order to boost the operational and air capabilities of the Nigerian military.
The president who was represented by vice president Prof Yemi Osinbanjo also commended the NAF for their invaluable contribution towards the security of Nigeria, particularly in the fight against Boko Haram in the North-east.
He said: “As a country, we are particularly proud that in less than 4 years, we have been able to revitalise our armed forces for the full restoration of Nigeria’s territorial integrity that was once violated by Boko Haram insurgents. As the air arm of the armed forces, the Nigerian Air Force has continued to play very crucial roles in degrading the fighting capabilities of the Boko Haram Terrorists in North east where our officers, airmen, soldiers and ratings have performed gallantly.
“As part of our continued commitment to equip the Armed Forces towards tackling insecurity and protecting our citizens, after this parade today, I will induct into the Service of the Nigerian Air Force 2 x Agusta 109 Power Helicopters which were recently delivered. These helicopters and other additional helicopters expected to arrive in the next few months will surely boost performance of the Nigerian Air Force constitutional roles.
“I therefore charge you to redouble your efforts towards protecting our national interests, while at the same time degrading national security threats,” he said.
In his address, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar said the NAF has grown in size, spread and equipment holding and has over the years fulfilled its statutory obligation of protecting and defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria from the air.
He also thanked the president for improving the capacity of the NAF in the last four years in order to meet up with the various security challenges confronting the nation.
He said: “From having only a few trainers and transport aircraft in the early years of the Service, the Nigerian Air Force currently has an impressive ORBAT comprising diverse aircraft with capabilities to perform a wide spectrum of missions.
“We have also continued to build upon the foundations laid by our noble predecessors by reactivating several aircraft that were hitherto grounded; acquired and inducted various platforms into service and increased the strength of service personnel.
“The continued commitment of Mr President to improving the capacity and equipment holding of the NAF is clearly exemplified by the procurement of a fleet of A-29 Super Tucano aircraft from the United States of America, which are expected to be delivered in 2020. This is besides the acquisition of several other aircraft since the inception of this administration, “he said.
