NAF Receives Five New Helicopters For Anti-Terror Operations

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken delivery of five new helicopters as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen military operations against terrorists, bandits and kidnappers across Nigeria.

The new aircraft comprise three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy and two H-125 helicopters produced by Airbus Helicopters.

The development was announced on Tuesday by NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.

According to him, the three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters arrived in Lagos on Tuesday as part of 10 helicopters recently acquired by the Federal Government.
The remaining seven aircraft are expected to be delivered before the end of the year, while the two H-125 helicopters had already been delivered.

The latest acquisition comes amid continued military operations against terrorist groups, bandits and kidnappers across several parts of the country.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, described the delivery as a major step in efforts to expand the NAF’s operational capacity.

He said the helicopters would improve aircraft availability and enable the Air Force to respond more rapidly to security threats across multiple operational theatres.

Aneke said the AW-109 Trekker B helicopters would be deployed for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, close air support, armed escort, combat search and rescue and other joint military operations.

The H-125 helicopters, he added, would provide light and versatile air support for various operational requirements.
The Air Force said the newly delivered helicopters were currently undergoing post-delivery assembly, technical checks and crew-readiness procedures before being inducted into operational service.

Aneke said the military would focus on ensuring that the new platforms translate into measurable improvements in ongoing operations.

“We will continue to prioritise effective employment, maintenance and logistics sustainment so that every aircraft delivered adds measurable value to ongoing operations and the protection of the lives and property of Nigerians,” he said.

The Air Chief also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the acquisition and modernisation of the Air Force.

He said the increased rotary-wing capacity would enhance the ability of the military to provide air support to ground troops engaged in counter-terrorism, anti-kidnapping and anti-banditry operations.