The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has taken delivery of two new Agusta 109 Power attack helicopters as part of efforts to intensify the war against the terrorist group, Boko Haram.
The helicopters are already being put together and will be launched during the 2019 NAF day celebration.
The celebration will hold from April 27 to 29.
The delivery of the helicopters was announced on Monday by the Chief of the Air Staff, CAS, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, during lunch with the Air Task Force, ATF, Operation Lafiya Dole on the occasion of Easter.
Abubakar expressed delight to be in Maiduguri and commended the resilience and commitment of the troops in ensuring that Nigeria and Nigerians were safe.
He said the NAF, with the support of President Muhammadu Buhari, and the National Assembly, would continue to acquire new platforms and build human capacity.
He added that NAF would continue to ensure the welfare of personnel in order for them to effectively respond to national security imperatives.
He commended the Commander, officers, airmen and airwomen of the ATF for successes recorded within the OPLD Theatre and in the Multi-National Joint Task Force Operation Yancin Tafki.
He equally commended the ATF Commander for the various value adding welfare projects 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, bandits and other criminal elements.
He urged them to remain resolute while intensifying efforts and maintaining continuous vigilance to defend the liberties and values Nigerians hold so dear.
The ATF Commander, AVM James Gwani, expressed the appreciation of the officers and men of the ATF to Abubakar for his consistent presence in Maiduguri.
He also stated that CAS presence was not only a huge source of motivation, but also an indication of his commitment to the welfare and morale of personnel.
He thanked the CAS for providing necessary facilities to ensure effective service delivery and pledged their unwavering loyalty and commitment towards ensuring mission accomplishment.
Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, who issued a statement about the lunch said the lunch was in keeping with the CAS’ tradition of celebrating festive periods with frontline troops.
He said it also afforded Abubakar the opportunity to interact with the troops in an informal setting to appreciate them for their sacrifices in the fight against insurgency.
Daramola said that would boost their morale and also fill the void created by their inability to celebrate the season with their families.
