…asks the military to step up the fight against terrorism
President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, commissioned two TK129 ATAK helicopters and a King Air 360i aircraft acquired by the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) while tasking the security agencies to do more in the fight against terrorism in the country.
The new military choppers were inducted in Makurdi, the capital city of Benue State.
President Tinubu, who is away in France, was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Delivering the President’s address, VP Shettima noted that the acquisition of the aircraft was an expression of President Tinubu’s commitment to investment in national security.
“The acquisition of these aircraft amongst other military equipment despite our budgetary constraints is an expression of our commitment. We shall ensure that every sector of our nation benefits from the change that we promised. I therefore expect discipline in operation and a strong maintenance culture that will enable the nation to derive maximum benefits from these acquisitions,” said Shettima.
He noted that the government “will continue to re-professionalize and re-equip the Armed Forces and security agencies to effectively discharge their duties to our nation.”
Urging the security forces to step up their game, the VP quoted President Tinubu as saying: “I have no doubt that the deployment of these platforms would add impetus to the combat efficiency of the Nigerian Air Force in addressing our contemporary security challenges, not only within the shores of our country but also in the West African region. We are committed to taking the right steps to achieve the desired results.”
He added, “There is no room for celebrations until we put an end to the security logjam; until we can bring our troops back to their localities, and until we can free up resources for our critical economic expansion programme.”
Inducting the aircraft and helicopters, the President said, “Finally, I congratulate the Chief of the Air Staff and all the personnel of the Air Force on this occasion of the commissioning of the T129 ATAK helicopters and King Air 360i aircraft into the service. At this juncture, I hereby induct the 2 x T129 ATAK helicopters as NAF 500 and NAF 501 and King Air 360i as NAF 205 into the service of the Nigeria Air Force and our country.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, noted that the acquisition and induction of the T129 Atak helicopter and Beechcraft King Air 360i aircraft is a testimony of the federal government’s unwavering resolve to equip and empower the Air Force and enhance its capacity to address security challenges confronting the nation, in conjunction with sister forces and security agencies.
He thanked President Tinubu for the provision to enable the Nigerian Air Force to acquire seven brand-new aircraft within six months of his administration.
The Air Chief disclosed that the Air Force is currently overhauling its operational platforms, equipment and the entire environment to improve its efficiency and service delivery.
Present at the event were the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas; Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Badaru; Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State; some members of the National Assembly from Benue State and members of the Benue State House of Assembly, among others.
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