- CAS speaks on deployment of -129 ATAK helicopters and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for combat operations against illegal oil bunkering and crude oil theft
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has officially handed over an AW139 helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force to enhance security operations in Rivers State and the Niger Delta region at large.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at the Air Force Base in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, Governor Fubara urged the Nigerian Air Force to put the AW139 helicopter, which had been grounded since 2020, to effective use in securing lives, assets, and oil facilities in the Niger Delta region.
Governor Fubara expressed concerns over past security donations that were not utilized in the locations where they were donated, emphasizing that the donation was not politically motivated but a genuine commitment to enhancing security.
He reiterated the State government’s responsibility to support law enforcement agencies with the necessary logistics for effective operations, including the Air Force, Police, and other security agencies.
“Our only request is that this helicopter be used primarily for the security of Rivers State and the entire Niger Delta. We are not giving this in exchange for anything but in support of the President’s efforts to improve security in the country.”
In response, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, expressed deep appreciation for Governor Fubara’s continuous support, acknowledging that strengthening civil-military relations remains a top priority for the Nigerian Air Force, as it directly improves operational effectiveness.
Air Marshal Abubakar highlighted that the AW139 helicopter would significantly boost air operations, particularly in search and rescue missions, disaster response, and rapid deployment for security and humanitarian activities.
He further disclosed that the Air Force has already commenced specialized training for pilots and engineers while also reinforcing maintenance structures to ensure the helicopter remains in optimal working condition for long-term use.
He said, “This donation is not just an addition to our fleet but a bold statement of commitment to security. It will aid in tactical airlift, search and rescue, and humanitarian operations.”
Air Marshal Abubakar also expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfast commitment to modernising the NAF, noting that ongoing fleet expansion and infrastructure upgrades have significantly bolstered operational readiness.
He emphasised that these efforts not only enhance the Air Force’s capability to address evolving security challenges but also reaffirm the government’s dedication to a stronger, more resilient national defence.
The CAS also 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 further 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, he emphasised, are aimed at curbing all forms of criminality and ensuring that Rivers State and the nation at large remain a safe and thriving hub for economic activities. Nigerians can be rest assured that NAF remains fully committed in collaboration with other security agencies to ensure a peaceful, secure and prosperous Nigeria.
@Newspot Nigeria
