President Bola Tinubu has inducted two freshly purchased T-129 ATAK helicopters and a King Air 360ER Beechcraft into the Nigerian Air Force’s Order of Battle (ORBAT).
AVM Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, stated this on Tuesday in Abuja.
Tinubu, who was represented at NAF Base Makurdi by Vice President Kashim Shettima, stated that the procurement and integration of the platforms remained a sign of his commitment to investing in national security.
He was certain that the deployment of the new systems will considerably improve the NAF’s combat efficiency in handling current security problems, both domestically and within the West African area.
The President advocated for operational discipline and the formation of a strong maintenance culture in order to maximize the advantages.
He praised the NAF for its reliability as a regional power and emphasized his administration’s commitment to supporting it.
Tinubu said it also reflected his will to eradicate terrorism, insurgency, abduction, and other criminal activities that had plagued the country for years.
According to him, while significant progress has been made in continuing counterterrorism measures, there should be no reason to celebrate until the security problems are properly handled.
He advocated for a shift in mindset, strategy, and tactics in countering the threat.
In his remarks, Minister of Defence Alhaji Muhammed Badaru appreciated President Tinubu’s earnestness in restoring peace throughout Nigeria.
Badaru commended the President for his insight, resilient leadership, and consistent support for Nigeria’s Armed Forces, despite the nation’s severe problems.
He asked the NAF to stick to maintenance schedules and establish strong safety standards to ensure the aircraft’s continued serviceability and maximum benefit to the nation.
The minister also urged NAF personnel to match their individual and collective activities with the President’s agenda, highlighting the pursuit of peace, stability, and rapid development goals.
Earlier, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of Air Staff, stated that the induction demonstrated the government’s ongoing commitment to equipping and energizing the NAF in the fight against terrorism and other security challenges.
Abubakar stated that since Tinubu’s government began, the NAF has added five new aircraft to its fleet, including two Diamond 62 surveillance aircraft, two T-129 ATAK helicopters, and a King Air 360 ER.
He said the NAF planned to induct 46 additional aircraft of various sorts during the next 18 months.
The CAS told Nigerians that the NAF would not rest until the conflict was successfully concluded, ensuring the peace and stability that Nigerians deserved.
Other dignitaries who attended the occasion were Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia, Minister of Information and Orientation Alhaji Mohammed Idris, and Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria Hidayet Bayraktar.
Members of the National Assembly were also present, as were numerous active and former senior military commanders.
He advised all Nigerians to be optimistic about the country’s progress and prosperity.
