President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, reiterated his administration’s commitment to ending the insecurity plaguing the country. The President stated this when he inducted two T129 Attack Combat Helicopters and one King Air Beechcraft 360ER mobility aircraft for use by the Nigerian Air Force. Represented by his Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President said the acquisition of the helicopters and the induction symbolised the commitment of his administration to the nation’s security. The induction ceremony held at the 131 Engineering Group Hanger, Nigeria Air Force Base, Makurdi. The President said that the acquisition and induction of the new platforms would improve NAF’s airpower in the ongoing war against terrorism. He acknowledged that since its establishment in 1964, “NAF has been playing a critical role in the country.
He noted that since its inception in 1964, “NAF has been playing a critical role in the nation’s security, international operations, and humanitarian needs.”
“Let me commend the Chief of Air Staff, officers, and men for their dedication to improving national security. I guarantee you that the Tinubu administration will continue to support the NAF and the Nigerian Armed Forces in their efforts to combat terrorism, oil theft, and other criminal activities.
The President stated that significant progress had been made in ongoing counterterrorism measures, but that there was no reason to celebrate until the security concerns were fully resolved.
He advocated for a shift in thinking, strategy, and tactics in combating the threat.
Earlier in his address, the Chief of Air Staff.
According to Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the NAF has taken delivery of seven aircraft.
He said the new aircraft would include two Diamond 62 surveillance planes, two T-129 ATAK helicopters, and a King Air 360 ER.
He also stated that the NAF will induct 46 additional aircraft of various sorts during the next 18 months.
He added the air force has 170 pilots and 533 technicians who are being trained domestically and internationally.
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, expressed gratitude to the President for his foresight and dogged support for the armed forces.
