#TrackNigeria: The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it has taken delivery of two new Agusta 109 Power attack helicopters.
Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, made this known in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
The helicopters are currently being assembled for induction during the forthcoming 2019 NAF Day Celebration taking place in Abuja from 27 – 29 April.
Daramola said the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, disclosed this on Monday in Maiduguri during a lunch with troops of the Air Task Force (ATF) Operation LAFIYA DOLE (OPLD) to mark the Easter Celebrations.
Abubakar expressed delight to be in Maiduguri and commended the resilience and commitment of the troops in ensuring that Nigeria and Nigerians are safe.
He said the NAF, with the support of President Muhammadu Buhari, and the National Assembly, would continue to acquire new platforms and build human capacity.
He added that NAF would continue to ensure the welfare of personnel in order for them to effectively respond to national security imperatives.
According to the statement, the air chief specifically commended the Commander, officers, airmen and airwomen of the ATF for successes recorded within the OPLD Theatre and in the Multi-National Joint Task Force Operation YANCIN TAFKI.
He equally commended the ATF Commander for the various value adding welfare projects executed to enhance the wellbeing of personnel.
The CAS reminded the personnel that so much was at stake in the fight to rid the Nation of insurgents, terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements.
He urged them to remain resolute while intensifying efforts and maintaining continuous vigilance to defend the liberties and values Nigerians hold so dear.
Daramola said the lunch, is in keeping with the CAS’ tradition of celebrating festive periods with frontline troops.
He said it also afforded Abubakar the opportunity to interact with the troops in an informal setting to appreciate them for their sacrifices in the fight against insurgency.
Daramola said this would boost their morale and also fill the void created by their inability to celebrate the season with their families.
The ATF Commander, AVM James Gwani, expressed the appreciation of the officers and men of the ATF to Abubakar for his consistent presence in Maiduguri.
He also stated that CAS presence was not only a huge source of motivation, but also an indication of his commitment to the welfare and morale of personnel.
He thanked the CAS for providing necessary facilities to ensure effective service delivery and pledged their unwavering loyalty and commitment towards ensuring mission accomplishment.
In another development, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has urged officers and men to maintain discipline and combat-readiness always to be able to end insurgency and banditry in the country.
Abubakar made the call on Monday at a feast organized by the Force at the 105 Composite Command, Maiduguri, for the personnel to mark the 2019 Easter celebration.
He said that the event was organized to appreciate the personnel over their gallantry and selfless contributions to the successful implementation of the counter-insurgency campaign in the North-East.
He noted that such celebration with troops at the frontline during festive period would make them feel at home and foster comradeship.
The air chief admonished officers and service personnel to remain committed, discipline, vigilant and relentless in the discharge of their duties.
“I am very pleased with your performances in the war against insurgency.
“We must renew our commitments to protect values of freedom and values of the society to guarantee security so that our people feel safe and go about their normal business.
“We also deployed additional platforms to Zamfara to make life more difficult for the bandits in order to achieve peace, and farmers can cultivate their farmlands,” he said.
Abubakar disclosed that the service on Sunday took delivery of additional platforms from Italy, adding that it would soon be deployed to support ongoing operations in the North-East and North-West.
According to him, the service has adopted proactive measures to address challenges facing its operations, provide additional platforms and improve personnel welfare.
Abubakar reiterated the commitment of the service to support troops of Operation Lafiya Dole and Multi National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in the ongoing clearance operation against the remnants of Boko Haram in the North-East and Lake Chad region.
The air chief lauded President Muhammadu Buhari over his support to the service, and assured that the service would remain disciplined and professional in the discharge of its constitutional mandate.
He also commended Gov. Kashim Shettima of Borno, community and religious leaders as well as members of the community for their support to the service.
In his remarks, Air Vice-Marshal James Gwani, the Air Task Force Commanding, Operation Lafiya Dole, commended Abubakar for support toward the improvement of its operations and wellbeing of personnel engaged in the war against insurgency.
Gwani reiterated the commitments of the personnel to remain loyal, disciplined and professional in the discharge of their duties.
The event was attended by senior officers, airmen, and members of Gomari community of Maiduguri.
