President Bola Tinubu has inducted two newly-acquired T-129 ATAK Helicopters and a King Air 360ER Beechcraft into the Order of Battle (ORBAT) of the Nigerian Air Force, NAF.
This was contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, AVM Edward Gabkwet, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Tinubu, who was represented at NAF Base, Makurdi, by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said the acquisition and induction of the platforms remained a symbol of his commitment to investment in national security.
He expressed confidence that the deployment of the new platforms would significantly enhance NAF’s combat efficiency in addressing contemporary security challenges, both domestically and within the West African region.
The President called for discipline in operations and the establishment of a robust maintenance culture to maximise the benefits derived therein.
He commended the NAF for standing as a dependable regional power and emphasised his administration’s dedication to supporting it.
Tinubu said it was also a reflection of his commitment to eradicating terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping, and other criminal activities that had plagued the country for years.
According to him, though substantial progress has been achieved in ongoing counterterrorism efforts, there should be no cause for celebration until the security challenges are fully addressed.
He called for a change in mindset, strategy and tactics in addressing the menace.
In his remarks, the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Muhammed Badaru, acknowledged the sincerity of purpose of President Tinubu toward restoring peace in every part of Nigeria.
Badaru thanked the President for his foresight, resilient leadership, and unwavering support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria, in spite of the numerous challenges confronting the nation.
He urged NAF to adhere to maintenance schedules and implementation of robust safety practices to ensure the sustained serviceability status of the aircrafts so as to derive maximum benefit for the nation.
