The Federal Government announced that the jets would bolster its anti-banditry operations as the 50 new aircraft is scheduled to arrive between now and next year.
This will help the country to strengthen security efforts in the North-West region and across Nigeria as terrorists occupied the Kainji National Park in Niger State.
The Chief of Air Staffof Nigeria, Marshal Bala Abubakar, disclosed on Wednesday that the air fleet would include 12 AH-1 attack helicopters, 24 M-346 attack aircraft, 12 Augusta Westland 109 helicopters and two Casa 295 medium airlift aircraft.
Abubakar mentioned this during the inauguration of new facilities at the 213 Forward Operational Base in Katsina State.
These facilities include a taxiway link, two aircraft hangars, operation and engineering buildings, a perimeter fence and also a football pitch.
Expressing his gratitude to both the Federal and state governments for their support in combating banditry, the air chief praised NAF personnel for their dedication to maintaining peace and security in the region.
“We are also mindful that the remnants of insurgents from Borno and Yobe states would be considering the option of moving back to Adamawa through the border towns in this regard, the Nigerian Air Force is intensifying its inner surveillance with a view to taking a decisive military action when required to prevent the re-emergence of insurgents activities in the state,” he said.
“Let me use this opportunity to inform your excellency that the Nigerian Air Force is expecting 50 brand new aircraft in its inventory in the next one and a half to two years. And I intend to station some of them right here in Yola,” he added.
On Thursday, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, also received two newly acquired helicopters at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
Reports are that the two new Bell UH-1H helicopters touched down in the country at about 4:30 pm.
The two helicopters are meant to be used for logistics, surveillance, training and casualty evacuation among others to ensure security.
Gen. Lagbaja said, “We are on a learning curve in the aviation business. We hope it will be a pleasant experience that will give our troops flexibility in the field and enhance our operational successes.”
“The Nigerian Army is poised to serve the nation better with the acquisition of these platforms. We shall overcome and give our people the enabling environment for economic prosperity,” he added
He noted that the Army had nurtured the desire to have an aviation wing since 1984, expressing delight that the dream had finally materialised with the acquisition of the two new helicopters.
He stated that, “Aviation has always been a game-changer, and that informs the decision for the Nigerian Army to strive to acquire platforms towards the actualisation of the dream of having an army aviation arm since 1984.”
He continued, “Today that dream has been actualised. We expect that the support that will be provided to the troops in the field with the acquisition of this utility helicopter, in terms of casualty evacuation, and the supply and insertion of troops in critical areas, will have greater flexibility and improve operational efficiency in the field.”
The Coordinator, Nigerian Army Aviation, Brig. Gen. M.S. Alkali said that the helicopters would strengthen the Army’s reconnaissance, surveillance, and also air mobility capabilities.
Brig. Gen. M. S Alkali said, “As we integrate these platforms into our operations, let us also remember that the true strength of our aviation lies in the skilled and courageous personnel who operate and maintain these machines. Their professionalism, dedication, and expertise are the bedrock upon which our success is built.”
In a new report released on Wednesday, the Clingendael Institute, a Dutch think tank, said there was ample evidence that Islamist terrorists from the Sahel region had crossed into Nigeria through the Benin Republic border.
The jihad fighters were said to have settled in Kebbi State and also the Kainji National Park, turning the facility into their base.
Reacting to the report, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, said that the military was not slowing down in its campaign against terrorists across the country.
He noted that the objective of the military operations across the country was to destroy the terrorists wherever they are.
Maj. Gen. Buba said, “The military is fighting the terrorists wherever they exist across the country. Indeed, troops of Operation Whirl Punch are conducting operations in terrorist enclaves in North Central which includes Kainji Lake Park.”
“Additionally, troops of Operation Hadarin Daji are equally doing the same to terrorists in Kebbi State and the west of the country. The objective of our operations is to destroy these terrorists and dismantle their military capabilities so citizens are safe and protected,”he added.
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