President Bola Tinubu has officially added two T-129 ATAK Helicopters and a King Air 360ER Beechcraft to the Nigerian Air Force's (NAF) operational assets, as confirmed by a statement from NAF's Director of Public Relations and Information, AVM Edward Gabkwet, in Abuja on Tuesday.
During the ceremony at the NAF Base in Makurdi, Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Tinubu, highlighted that the new equipment underscores the administration's dedication to bolstering national security. He underscored the expectation that these additions would boost NAF's capability to tackle current security issues within Nigeria and the broader West African region effectively.
President Tinubu emphasized the importance of disciplined operations and the development of a strong maintenance culture to ensure the optimal use of these assets. He praised the NAF for its role as a reliable force in the region and reiterated his administration's support.
The president also reflected on the broader aim of these acquisitions, tying them to the government's strategy to combat terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping, and other criminal activities that have long troubled the nation. He stressed that despite significant achievements in counterterrorism, the battle is not over until all security challenges are resolved, advocating for a strategic shift in approach to these threats.
Defence Minister Alhaji Muhammed Badaru acknowledged President Tinubu's genuine commitment to achieving peace across Nigeria. He commended the president for his visionary leadership and continuous backing of the Nigerian Armed Forces despite facing numerous challenges. Badaru encouraged the NAF to maintain the aircraft rigorously and adopt comprehensive safety measures to ensure their long-term effectiveness and contribution to national security.
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