President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, February 6, inducted the two T-129 ATAK helicopters and a King Air 360ER Beechcraft recently procured by the Federal Government into the Order of Battle (ORBAT) of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
The helicopters were inducted at NAF Base, Makurdi, Benue State.
The helicopters were delivered from Turkey in November 2023 as parts of the Federal Government efforts to fight terrorism and other criminalities in the country.
Speaking after inducting the platforms, Tinubu said he was confident that the deployment of the platforms would significantly enhance the combat efficiency of the NAF in combating internal security and in within the West African region.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President charged to NAF personnel to maintain discipline during operations, and establish maintenance culture to maximize the benefits derived therein.
Tinubu expressed pride in the NAF standing as a dependable regional power and emphasized his administration’s dedication to supporting it.
He assured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to eradicating terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping, and other criminal activities that have plagued the country for years.
The president 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 urged NAF personnel to change their mindset, strategy and tactics in addressing the present security challenges.
Earlier, the Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, acknowledged the sincerity of purpose of the President towards restoring peace in every part of Nigeria.
He then expressed his gratitude to the President for his foresight, resilient leadership, and unwavering support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
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 in his remarks, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, said the induction ceremony bears glowing testimony of the federal government’s resolve to equip and energize the NAF and all arms of the Armed Forces towards combating terrorism and other adversaries
The CAS said President Tinubu had so far inducted five aircrafts into NAF fleet since he assumed office.
The CAS said the NAF’s has planned to induct 46 new aircraft of various types over the next 18 months.
Air Marshal Abubakar assured that the NAF would not rest until it brings the war to a favourable end to ensure the peace and stability that Nigerians deserve.
He urged all Nigerians to keep the faith and hope in the advancement and prosperity of the nation.
