Nigerian Army has received two helicopters to activate its aviation wing and boost its fight against insurgency.
The two helicopters, Bell UH1-H, arrived at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja, NAF Wing, at about 4:40pm for a water cannon celebration and were received by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, for induction at the Nigerian Police Force Hangar.
The two helicopters are expected to Operationalise NA aviation to support troops in training, casualty evacuation and reconnaissance, thereby boosting response time.
In his remarks, the COAS expressed delight that NA Aviation, conceptualised 10 years ago in 2014, has come to fruition with the delivery of the first two helicopters.
He said,“The journey, as predicted by the initial dreamers, has not been easy, but here we are today, and by the grace of God, we realise our dreams. I sincerely appreciate the various administrations in government since 2014, from His Excellency Goodluck Jonathan to His Excellency Mohammadu Buhari, for their support in training our pilots and ground crews and putting necessary structures in place over these years. I must especially thank the President, C-in-C of the Armed Forces of Nigeria His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for fulfilling his promise to fund the acquisition of our platforms and providing the necessary funding to realise our dream.“
He said the NA was new to the aviation business, and as newcomers, “we must acknowledge our forerunners like the NAF, NN, and the NPF.“
He thanked the sister services for the encouragement and support they have received from them, particularly since 2014.
„We are on our learning curve in the aviation business, and we hope it will be a pleasant experience that will enhance our operational successes,“ he said.
He reiterated that the NA is poised to serve the nation better, and „we shall overcome and give our people the enabling environment for economic prosperity“.
In his opening remarks, the coordinator Nigerian Army Aviation Brig-Gen Musa Alkali said the introduction of the advanced air platforms marks a new chapter in NA‘s operational readiness and its ability to respond swiftly and effectively to diverse security challenges.
He said, „These platforms are not just an addition to our fleet but a leap forward in our quest for excellence and efficiency towards getting NA Aviation operational.“
Brig-Gen Alkali said the NA‘s journey to activate the aviation wing has been defined by rigorous planning, meticulous execution, and the unwavering support of the NA leadership and partners.
„I want to acknowledge the tireless efforts of all those involved in this project, from our well-respected Consultant, Maj Gen O. Emeka (rtd), to strategic planners and international partners. Your hard work and dedication have been instrumental in making this vision a reality.
„The acquisition of these air platforms clearly demonstrates our resolve to continuously improve and adapt in the face of evolving security landscapes. These platforms will significantly bolster the NA‘s reconnaissance, surveillance, and air mobility capabilities, enhancing operational effectiveness.
„As we integrate these platforms into our operations, let us also remember that the true strength of our aviation lies in the skilled and courageous personnel who operate and maintain these machines. Their professionalism, dedication, and expertise are the foundation of our success. I am confident that with our personnel‘s continuous training and development, we will maximise the potential of these new assets and set new standards of excellence in military aviation,“ he said.
