The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in its plan to strengthen its armament for the fight against the insurgency in the Northwest is set to take delivery of “Augusta109” power helicopter from Italy. Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar made this statement in Abuja yesterday while holding a conference for the 2019 First quarter.
The Air chief said the acquisition of the Helicopter was part of the integral effort of the Federal Government to guarantee security in the Northwest.
He disclosed that the focus was particularly on Zamfara, Sokoto and Kaduna states, where a new detachment has been approved by the Air Force Council.
In his words, “We have already provided landing facilities there for helicopters and we have also provided fuelling facilities for the aircraft,”
Mr, Abubakar revealed that NAF is already reactivating five of its aircraft, adding that”3L 39 live extension program” was already in Kano while “MI 35 live extension program” is in Port Harcourt.
He added that the method will substantially add to the capacity to boost the Air Force asset and make Nigeria secure, more so, three Helicopters are also in Kainji for reactivation.
The Air chief continued, “We have paid substantially for it and very soon, I believe by September this year, we will have those three helicopters flying. So, I think in terms of acquisition and reactivation of aircraft, the service has equally been successful.”
Abubakar added that the Force had trained more than 1,000 Special Force elements that were contributing appreciably in dealing with insecurity in Zamfara, where it had 300 Special Force operatives.
Meanwhile: “another 300 special force elements in Benue under `Operation Whirl Stroke’ that is run by the Defence Headquarters.
We also have units in Taraba where we have the Quick Response Wing as well as in Agatu, Benue, where we also have the Quick Response Wing.” CAS said.
