By John Shiklam in Kaduna
President Bola Tinubu has inducted two new T-129 ATAK Helicopters and a King Air 360ER Beechcraft into the Order of Battle (ORBAT) of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
Speaking on Tuesday at the induction at the NAF Base, Makurdi, Benue state, the President expressed confidence that the deployment of the new platforms would significantly help in addressing the security challenges bedeviling the country.
The President who was represented at the occasion, by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said the acquisition and induction of these platforms are a symbol of Tinubu’s commitment to the ideals of patriotism, investment in national security and commitment to safeguard Nigeria.
A statement issued on Tuesday after the event by Edward Gabkwet, spokesperson of NAF, said the President expressed pride in NAF as a dependable regional power and re-emphasised his administration’s commitment to support it.
The statement said Tinubu noted that “although substantial progress has been achieved in the ongoing counterterrorism efforts, there should be no cause for celebration until the security challenges are fully addressed.”
The President called for discipline in operations and the establishment of a robust maintenance culture to maximize the benefits of the platforms.
“President Tinubu also reflected on his earlier commitment to eradicating terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping, and other criminal activities that have plagued the country for years.
“Although he noted that substantial progress has been achieved in ongoing counterterrorism efforts, there should be no cause for celebration until the security challenges are fully addressed. He then called for a change in mindset, strategy and tactics in addressing the menace,” the statement said.
Gabkwet also said, Badaru Abubakar, Minister of Defence, commended the President for his “foresight, resilient leadership and unwavering support to the armed forces of Nigeria, despite the numerous challenges confronting the nation.”
The statement said, “The minister also reiterated the need for adherence to maintenance schedules and the implementation of robust safety practices to ensure the sustained serviceability status of the aircraft so as to derive maximum benefit for the nation.”
Abubakar urged NAF personnel to align their individual and collective actions with the vision of the President, emphasizing the pursuit of peace, stability, and rapid development objectives.
Gabkwet said the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, who spoke earlier, noted that the induction of the helicopters shows federal government’s unwavering resolve to equip and energise the NAF and the entire armed forces of Nigeria, towards combating terrorism and other security threats facing the nation.
The CAS also disclosed that since Tinubu assumed office, the NAF has inducted 5 new aircraft into its fleet, including 2 Diamond 62 surveillance aircraft, 2 T-129 ATAK helicopters, and a King Air 360 ER.
“While emphasizing the importance of these acquisitions in line with the President’s commitment to national security, the CAS highlighted the NAF’s plan to induct 46 new aircraft of various types over the next 18 months”, Gabkwet said.
Abubakar assured Nigerians that though the NAF is operationally engaged on all fronts, it would not rest until it brings the war to a favourable end to ensure the peace and stability that Nigerians deserve.
