Combat Helicopters Fight against insecurity in the country has received a major boost as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, inducted newly acquired combat helicopters into the Nigeria Air Force inventory, and commissioned them for deployment into battlefields, across the country.
The induction was contained in a state released by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigeria Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, today.
In his statement, AVM Gabkwet stated that the newly inducted combat helicopters must have sent a strong signal to terrorists, oil bunkers, and kidnappers across the country as the NAF will not hesitate to deploy the combat equipment against the criminals.
Part of the statement read, "Counterinsurgency, counterterrorism, anti-crude oil theft and anti-kidnapping operations in Nigeria received a major boost as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inducted 2 new T-129 ATAK Helicopters and a King Air 360ER Beechcraft into the Order of Battle (ORBAT) of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) earlier today, 6 February 2024, at NAF Base, Makurdi.
"The acquisition and induction of these platforms no doubt stand as a symbol of President Tinubu’s enduring commitment to the ideals of patriotism and investment in national security as well as a solemn commitment to safeguarding Nigeria's security," AVM Gabkwet said.
Speaking through the Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu expressed confidence that the deployment of the newly acquired platforms would significantly enhance the combat efficiency of the NAF in addressing 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.
Speaking further, President Tinubu expressed pride in the NAF's standing as "A dependable regional power and emphasized his administration's dedication to supporting it.
President Tinubu also reflected on his earlier commitment to eradicating terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping, and other criminal activities that have plagued the country for years.
Although he noted that substantial progress has been achieved in ongoing counterterrorism efforts, there should be no cause for celebration until the security challenges are fully addressed. He then called for a change in mindset, strategy, and tactics in addressing the menace.
Honourable Minister of Defence, Dr Badaru Abubakar, also "acknowledged the sincerity of purpose of the President towards restoring peace in every part of Nigeria.
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 ceremony witnessed the presence of 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.
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Category: World-News
Tag: President Tinubu Inducts New Combat Helicopters into NAF Inventory To Curb Insecurity
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Published 2/6/2024 4:32:01 PM