INSURGENCY: ARMY TO ACQUIRE FIGHTER; ATTACK HELICOPTERS FROM RUSSIA, USA, CHINA.
Following efforts to boost the capacity of the Nigerian Army to carry out assigned tasks in the battle against insurgency and other security challenges effectively, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai said Wednesday that the Army was set to acquire its own fighter aircraft saying that several negotiations in this regard were ongoing.
Buratai said a list of aircraft platforms compiled in this regard were from Russia, America, Chinese and South Africa including simulators and UAV’s even as he said emphasis was being laid on the Russian made Mi-17 helicopter due to its ruggedness, operability and multi-role capability.
The Army Chief who was speaking at the 1st quarterly COAS conference holding at the AHQ Officers Mess, noted that the Nigerian Army Aviation was a key sector of the force that he was keen to see take off pointing out that “So far, activities like training of pilots and technicians and other negotiations towards acquiring necessary platforms have been going on”.
“On the issue of training, the trainee pilots comprising on one Captain, and nine (9) Lieutenants, are still undergoing flying course at International Helicopter Flying School, Enugu. They were initially meant to complete the training by December 2015 but could not due to certain circumstances” he said.
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Disclosing further that the Army was also considering a South African made Rooivalk attack helicopter after witnessing a demonstration in SA on the capability of the platform and its employability, the Army Chief said, “Additionally, a helicopter operating company called Caverton proposed the supply of 3 units of H125 helicopters and its maintenance which is being considered as an option”.
Regarding the war against insurgency, General Buratai said, “So far, my operational strategy with the couple of instructions and directives have been geared towards defeating the Boko Haram Terrorists.
“I take pride to say the callous terror group that brought wanton destruction and untold hardship to our land has been significantly decimated with all our officers and soldiers playing vital roles. Troops have continued to fight the insurgency with reinvigorated spirit and in a very professional manner”.
“No doubt we have numerous challenges confronting us in the course of discharging our constitutional roles. The logistics deficiencies which have hindered the optimal conduct of the Nigerian Army’s counter-insurgency operations in the past are being addressed”.
“Let me reiterate that I have issued sustainment and logistics directives for ‘Operation Lafiya Dole’ and have to a large extent, made resources available to meet operational requirements for effectiveness” he added.
Consequently, Buratai said, “I am confident that I have the followership that would make this country come out from the precarious situation we found ourselves. The Nigerian Army has made appreciable progress in the fight against terror. By the special grace of God, I look forward to an army that would be better equipped and better organized, well-motivated and professionally responsive in the discharge of its responsibilities”.
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