The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has taken delivery of two new Agusta 109 Power attack helicopters.
NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, who made this known in a statement on Monday in Abuja, said the helicopters were currently being assembled for induction during the forthcoming 2019 NAF Day Celebration which will hold in Abuja from April 27 – 29.
Daramola said the Chief of Air Staff, CAS, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, confirmed 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.
The NAF spokesman quoted the CAS as saying that with the support of President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Assembly, the Air Force would continue to acquire new platforms and build human capacity.
While expressing delight at being in Maiduguri, Abubakar commended the resilience and commitment of the troops in ensuring that Nigeria and Nigerians are safe and further assured them that NAF would continue to make the welfare of personnel a priority so that they can effectively respond to national security needs.
Reminding the troops of the need to rid the Nation of all criminal elements irrespective of the name they are called given what was at stake, the Air Chief specifically commended the Commander, officers, airmen and airwomen of the ATF for successes within the OPLD Theatre and in the Multi-National Joint Task Force Operation YANCIN TAFKI.
He also commended the ATF Commander for the various welfare projects executed to enhance the wellbeing of personnel.
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He enjoined the officers to remain resolute even as they intensify efforts and maintain continuous vigilance to defend the liberties and values Nigerians hold so dear.
Daramola said the lunch, which was in keeping with the CAS’ tradition of celebrating festive periods with frontline troops afforded the NAF leader the opportunity to interact with the troops in an informal setting to appreciate them for their sacrifices in the fight against insurgency adding that it would boost their morale and also fill the vacuum created by their inability to celebrate the season with their families.
The ATF Commander, AVM James Gwani, who spoke on behalf of the troops, expressed their appreciation to Abubakar for his consistent presence in Maiduguri.
He thanked him for providing necessary facilities to ensure effective service delivery, pledging their unwavering loyalty and commitment towards ensuring they achieve set out goals.
