Buhari Lauds NAF for Protecting National Interest, Inducts 2 New Attack Helicopters

• President Buhari lauds NAF contribution towards protecting the national interest.
• Urges NAF to redouble its efforts toward degrading national security threats.

President Muhammadu Buhari has inducted two Agusta 109 Power Attack Helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft inventory during its 55th anniversary held in Abuja on Monday.

Buhari, who was represented by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, said he was happy to be part of the celebration.

While noting that it was part of the federal government’s commitment to equipping of the armed forces in order to tackle insecurity and protect Nigerians, Buhari said these helicopters and other additional helicopters expected to arrive in the next few months will surely boost the performance of the Nigerian air force constitutional roles.

READ: NAF Air Strike Takes Out Bandits’ Base in Zamfara

The vice president, therefore, charged the NAF to redouble its efforts toward protecting national interests, while at the same time degrading national security threats.

Applauding the NAF for fulfilling its constitutional mandate of preserving Nigeria’s territorial integrity through the employment and projection of air power,  the President noted that aside the role of preserving territorial integrity, the Nigerian air force has also been playing vital roles in Peace-Keeping Operations on the African continent.

He also acknowledged the role played by the NAF in airlifting of electoral materials, mentioning efficient airlift of electoral materials as well as aerial surveillance it conducted which contributed to the success of the elections.

‘’This went a long way in checkmating the activities of electoral saboteurs and other criminal elements. ‘I, therefore, use this opportunity to commend the armed forces and other security agencies for a job well done,’’

Impressed by the display and professionalism put up by the officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian air force at the ceremonial parade, the president said military parades of such nature have been a way of determining soldierly qualities and troops’ cohesion.

READ: Air Force Has Nothing to Apologise About’ – Governor Yari

“The March-Past was elegantly conducted with precision and the parade was generally colourful.  This is an epitome of discipline and excellent military posture, which are hallmarks of a modern fighting force.

“I am further excited by the aerial display by the Nigerian air force airplanes. The displays demonstrate Nigerian air force’s commitment to achieving high standards of operational readiness,” he added.