The Federal Government of Nigeria set up an aviation section and bought fighter helicopters for the Nigerian Army to utilize in its operations.
Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, said that the BELL UH-1H and HUEY helicopters arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Friday.
He stated that the establishment of the Nigeria Army Aviation Wing would enhance the activities.
The BELL UH-1H Helicopters, according to Nwachukwu, are outfitted with cutting-edge sensors and enablers to perform a variety of tasks, such as medical evacuation, transportation, logistics, rescue, and reconnaissance.
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.”
Brigadier General Musa Alkali, the Coordinator of Nigerian Army Aviation, said during the event that the arrival of the Vanguard platforms represents a major turning point in the ongoing efforts to improve the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Army Aviation in accordance with the Command Philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff.