President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday expressed confidence that the induction and deployment of newly acquired combat Helicopters would enhance the operational efficiency of the Nigerian Air Force in addressing current insecurity situation in the country.
Tinubu spoke through the Vice President ,Senator Kashim Shettima at NAF Base, Makurdi during the induction of 2 new T-129 ATAK Helicopters and a King Air 360ER Beechcraft into the Order of Battle (ORBAT) , just as he called for a change in mindset, strategy and tactics in addressing the menace of insurgency, terrorism, kidnapping and crude oil theft that are ravaging the country .
Reflecting on his earlier commitment to eradicating terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping, and other criminal activities that have plagued the country for, Tinubu noted that though substantial progress are being made in ongoing counterterrorism efforts, the situation currently didn’t call for celebration until the security challenges are fully addressed.
Tuesday induction of 2 new T-129 ATAK Helicopters and a King Air 360ER Beechcraft into the Order of Battle (ORBAT) of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) was described as a major boost for a service that had also received 5 new aircraft into its fleet since President Tinubu assumed office in June and is expecting to receive 46 new additional aircraft of various sizes and made in the next 18 months.
President Tinubu is confident that the deployment of the newly acquired platforms would significantly enhance the combat efficiency of the NAF in addressing the contemporary security challenges, both domestically and within the West African region.
He then called for discipline in operations and the establishment of a robust maintenance culture to maximize the benefits derived therein.
He noted that NAF is a pride standing as a dependable regional power and emphasized his administration’s dedication to supporting it.
In his remarks, the Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, acknowledged the sincerity of purpose of the President towards restoring peace in every part of Nigeria.
He said Tinubu commitment is being demonstrated through his foresight, resilient leadership, and unwavering support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria, despite the numerous challenges confronting the nation.
The Minister also reiterated the need for adherence to maintenance schedules and the implementation of robust safety practices to ensure the sustained serviceability status of the aircraft so as to derive maximum benefit for the nation.
He urged NAF personnel to align their individual and collective actions with the vision of the President, emphasizing the pursuit of peace, stability, and rapid development objectives.
Earlier, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, had noted that the induction ceremony bears glowing testimony of the Federal Government’s unwavering resolve to equip and energize the NAF and indeed the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria, towards combating terrorism and other threats facing the Nation.
The CAS also disclosed that since Mr President assumed office, the NAF has inducted 5 new aircraft into its fleet, including 2 Diamond 62 surveillance aircraft, 2 T-129 ATAK helicopters, and a King Air 360 ER. While emphasizing the importance of these acquisitions in line with the President’s commitment to national security, the CAS highlighted the NAF’s plan to induct 46 new aircraft of various types over the next 18 months.
Speaking further, Air Marshal Abubakar assured Nigerians that though the NAF is operationally engaged on all fronts, it would not rest until it brings the war to a favourable end to ensure the peace and stability that Nigerians deserve. He then urged all Nigerians to keep the faith and hope in the advancement and prosperity of the nation.
The ceremony witnessed the presence of other distinguished dignitaries, including the Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Hyacinth Alia, Minister of Information and Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Hidayet Bayraktar, members of the national assembly and several senior military officers, serving and retired.