The Federal Government has established an aviation wing for the Nigerian Army, and acquired fighter helicopters for its operations.
According to the Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the BELL UH-1H, HUEY helicopters were received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Friday.
He noted that the establishment of the Nigeria Army Aviation Wing would help strengthen operations.
Nwachukwu said the BELL UH-1H Helicopters were equipped with advanced sensors and enablers to conduct a range of missions, including reconnaissance, surveillance, rescue, logistics, transportation and medical evacuation.
The statement reads: “NA has taken a significant step in enhancing its operational capabilities with the delivery of the first batch of new aircraft. The berthing of the aircraft marks a significant milestone in the development of the Nigerian Army Aviation’s capacity to provide air support for ground operations.
“The aircraft BELL UH-1H, HUEY, helicopters, were formally received by the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja in a brief ceremony held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on Thursday 20 June, 2024.
“Receiving the aircraft, General Lagbaja, noted that the renewed drive to establish an NA Aviation wing was conceived by the then-former COAS, Lieutenant General Kenneth Minimah, rtd, in 2014, with a three-phase ten-year implementation plan.
“The COAS extolled former Chiefs of Army Staff, maintaining that their tenacity and drive, along with the collective efforts of personnel and Nigerian Government’s political will, have been instrumental in realizing the fruition of NA Aviation.
“Gen Lagbaja appreciated the various successive administrations for their support in training NA Pilots and Ground Crews as well as putting in place requisite structures.
“The Army Chief also appreciated the forerunners, particularly the sister services and the Nigerian Police Force Aviation wing, for their support and encouragement. He noted that the NA is spurred to serve the nation better with the acquisition of the new platforms and provide Nigerians, an enabling environment for economic prosperity.”
In his remarks at the event, the Coordinator, Nigerian Army Aviation, Brigadier General Musa Alkali, stated that the arrival of the Nigerian Army Aviation Vanguard platforms is a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Army Aviation, in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy.
