The Nigerian Air force has acquired two new Attack Mi-35 Helicopter Gunships with ‘precision strike capability’ to help consolidate its gains in the war on terror as well as tackle other emerging security threats, employing air power dominance.
The new aircraft which will be inducted into the NAF inventory by the Chief of Air staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar next Saturday, have night and day capability and is all weather operational.
Making the disclosure in Abuja on Tuesday, the Director of Operations, NAF HQ and Chairman, 2017 NAF Day Celebrations, Air Vice Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao noted that aside from the two gunships, the NAF was still expecting another set of two Mi-35M within the year.
He stated that in the last two years, the operations of the Nigerian Air force in conjunction with other security agencies have led to drastic reduction in the spate of bombings in the North East.
“This is because we have been able to sniff out the terrorists from Sambisa while many of their logistic bases and camps have been rendered useless.
“Also, NAF activities in the North West have reduced issues of Cattle Rustling, Kidnapping. In South West, NAF contribution in Operation Awatse has checkmated pipeline vandalism and oil theft”.
“In the North Central, the problem of herdsmen/farmers clash, rustling is also being tackled with air force surveillance aircraft deployed”.
AVM Amao who was briefing newsmen on the programme of events for the 2017 NAF Day celebration with theme, ‘Employment of Air Power for Enduring National security’, disclosed that this year’s celebration will offer the air force, opportunity to take stock in the light of its statutory responsibilities as a military service.
“Given the active role played by the NAF in combating both real and perceived challenges facing our nation, it is no gainsaying that priority of the NAF lies in the consolidation of the gains of air power employment especially at this crucial stage in the history of our nation”, he said.
Amao said the series of activities slated to mark the celebration include medical outreach, air weapons meet, gala night, ceremonial parade and winging of pilots.
Others are presentation of Colours to Special Operations Command, induction of newly acquired Mi-35 attack helicopters as well as aerial and static display.
“The medical outreach programme will be conducted throughout the period of the celebration for people living within the immediate host communities around NAF bases”.
“This offers the unique opportunity to give back to the society. It is also a viable medium to appreciate Nigerians for their support and goodwill over the years”, AVM Amao said.
