The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in a statement released on Monday, said it has taken delivery of 2 Agusta 109 Power attack helicopters, which are currently being assembled for induction during the forthcoming 2019 NAF Day Celebration taking place in Abuja from 27 – 29 April 2019.
The delivery of the power attack Helicopters was disclosed by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, on Monday, 22 April 2019, in Maiduguri during a luncheon with troops of the Air Task Force (ATF) Operation LAFIYA DOLE (OPLD) to mark the Easter Celebrations.
The luncheon, which is in keeping with the CAS’ tradition of celebrating festive periods with frontline troops, afforded him the opportunity to interact with the troops in an informal setting to appreciate them for their sacrifices in the fight against insurgency, thereby boosting their morale while also filling the void created by their inability to celebrate the season with their families.
In his remarks at the event, the CAS expressed delight to be in Maiduguri and commended the resilience and commitment of the troops in ensuring that Nigeria and Nigerians are safe.
He said the NAF, with the support of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, as well as the National Assembly, would continue to acquire new platforms and build human capacity whilst ensuring the welfare of personnel, in order to effectively and efficiently respond to national security imperatives.
He specially commended the Commader, officers, airmen and airwomen of the ATF for the successes recorded in the fight against the terrorists within the OPLD Theatre as well as in the Multi-National Joint Task Force Operation YANCIN TAFKI. He equally commended the ATF Commander for the various value adding welfare projects that had been executed to enhance the wellbeing of personnel.
The CAS reminded the personnel that so much was at stake in the fight to rid the Nation of insurgents, terrorists, armed bandits and other criminal elements. Accordingly, he urged them to remain resolute while intensifying their efforts and maintaining continuous vigilance to defend it.
The delivery of the attack Helicopters is just one out of manager that has been delivered, and will surely go a long night way in the fight against terrorists and bandits, and kidnappers in the country.