NAF To Receive 51 Helicopters, Aircraft, Others For Counterterrorism

Nigeria Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal, Hasan Abubakar, has announced that the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) expects to receive 51 additional equipment to enhance the country’s counter-insurgency and counterterrorism operations.

This news emerged during Abubakar’s first operational tour of NAF units in Makurdi, Benue State.

The NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, provided the details of the upcoming acquisitions in a statement on Friday.

He shared that the new equipment is set to bolster training and air power employment and projection.

The new platforms are expected to include various types of helicopters, surveillance aircraft, and attack aircraft, according to Air Vice Marshal Abubakar.

He noted that these acquisitions demonstrate the Federal Government’s commitment to providing the NAF with the necessary tools to ensure safe training and agile airpower employment.

During his visit, Abubakar also underscored the importance of improving cooperation and joint efforts to quickly resolve the country’s ongoing security challenges.

He said, “While the NAF augments its airpower measures and approaches, it will also continue to promote seamless interoperability of equipment and joint force employment by the various services.”

The Air Force Chief called for personnel to cooperate with other services and security agencies, emphasizing the high expectations of Nigerians for the Armed Forces.

He highlighted the critical role they play in restoring peace, and security, and ensuring a prosperous nation.

The operational tour provided an opportunity for the Chief of Air Staff to directly engage with officers and men on the ground in Makurdi, fostering a greater understanding of the challenges and conditions faced by personnel.

See photos from the event below: