Rivers Donates Helicopter To Air Force

From Ekaete Ikubor

RIVERS

Rivers State Government has donated an Agusta Westland (AW) 139 helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to complement ongoing efforts by the Federal Government of Nigeria to further safeguard critical national assets in the Niger Delta region.

Speaking at the handover ceremony held on Wednesday at NAF Base, Port Harcourt, the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, emphasised that the donation aligned with his government’s efforts to complement the Federal Government’s initiatives in bolstering national security.

Fubara reiterated his administration’s dedication to supporting the NAF and other security agencies in protecting lives, safeguarding critical infrastructure and sustaining economic stability.

He noted that the Air Force’s presence has been instrumental in combating security threats, particularly illegal oil bunkering and ensuring stability in the Niger Delta region.

Fubara maintained that the nation has witnessed an increase in crude oil output, reflecting the effectiveness of ongoing combined efforts of the Nigerian security agencies in protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, expressed appreciation for the longstanding partnership between the NAF and the state which dates back to the establishment of NAF Base, Port Harcourt, during the Nigerian Civil War.

Abubakar highlighted the state’s ongoing support including infrastructure upgrade and recent runway rehabilitation at the NAF Base.

He pointed out the AW139’s advanced avionics, high-speed capabilities and versatility, stating that the aircraft would enhance the NAF’s capacity for rapid response missions.

The CAS assured that the Air Force has already begun comprehensive training for pilots, engineers and technicians to ensure its effective deployment.

Additionally, efforts were underway to strengthen maintenance infrastructure, ensuring the helicopter’s long-term operational efficiency.

Abubakar also expressed appreciation to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his steadfast commitment to modernising the NAF, noting that ongoing fleet expansion and infrastructure upgrade have significantly bolstered operational readiness.

He emphasised that the efforts not only enhanced the Air Force’s capability to address evolving security challenges but also reaffirmed the government’s dedication to a stronger, more resilient national defence.

The CAS disclosed that the NAF had prioritised the deployment of newly-acquired T-129 ATAK helicopters for combat operations against illegal oil bunkering and crude oil theft.

He revealed that, in addition to these advanced attack helicopters, the NAF has deployed Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and other cutting-edge surveillance and strike platforms to bolster security operations.

These efforts, Abubakar emphasised, were aimed at curbing all forms of criminality and ensuring that the state and the nation at large remained a safe and thriving hub for economic activities.

He maintained that Nigerians can be rest assured that NAF remained fully committed in collaboration with other security agencies to ensure a peaceful, secure and prosperous Nigeria.