NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Oil production: Rivers Govt. donates helicopter to Air Force

Oil production: Rivers Govt. donates helicopter to Air Force

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Donation

By Desmond Ejibas

Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers has announced the donation of a helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as part of the ongoing efforts to increase Nigeria’s crude oil production.

Fubara handed over the refurbished Agusta AW139 helicopter to NAF at its 115 Special Operations Group base in Port Harcourt.

He stated that his administration had fully supported President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to boost crude oil production beyond two million barrels per day before December.

According to him, the state government has also provided significant logistics to security agencies to safeguard lives, property, and critical oil assets in Rivers.

“This Agusta AW139 helicopter, which has been out of use for years, is part of my administration’s commitment to supporting NAF’s operations in Rivers and the Niger Delta region.

“Furthermore, backing President Tinubu’s efforts to increase crude oil production is beneficial to us; if oil production rises, it will generate more revenue for Rivers State,” he said.

Fubara added that, in addition to the helicopter, the state government was currently resurfacing the Air Force base runway to facilitate seamless flight operations.

“We want to be remembered as an administration that paid serious attention to the security of lives and property of our people.

“The support we have provided to our security agencies is a demonstration of our commitment to ensuring a secure Rivers State and Nigeria,” Fubara added.

The governor appealed to the Air Force leadership to deploy the aircraft for surveillance operations, particularly within the state and the wider the Niger Delta region.

Receiving the helicopter, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Hassan Abubakar, expressed gratitude to Fubara for collaborating with NAF to enhance security in the state and across the country.

He noted that the Air Force had over the years, consistently received logistics support from successive administrations in the state.

“This is evident in the construction of essential infrastructure, including perimeter fencing, residential blocks, and a VIP lounge.

“More recently, Gov. Fubara approved the rehabilitation of the runway and aprons here at the 115 Special Operations Group base,” he stated.

Abubakar emphasised that the helicopter would be deployed for tactical airlift operations, search and rescue missions, and disaster relief efforts.

“With its advanced avionics, high-speed capability, and versatility, the helicopter will enhance our ability to conduct rapid response missions and humanitarian operations.

“The addition of this aircraft to our fleet further underscores our commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians,” he added.

Abubakar further disclosed that NAF had initiated comprehensive training programmes for Air Force pilots, engineers, and technicians to ensure the optimal utilisation of its fleet.

He also stated that the Air Force had begun strengthening its maintenance infrastructure to ensure the sustainability and serviceability of its aircrafts.

He reaffirmed that NAF remained committed to collaborating with other security agencies to combat illegal bunkering and all forms of criminal activity.

According to him, through enhanced surveillance, precision air strikes, and joint task force engagements, NAF will continue to protect the nation’s vital resources and maritime domain. (NAN)

Edited by Jane-Frances Oraka

Air chief in Italy to acquire 34 fighter jets, helicopters

Air chief in Italy to acquire 34 fighter jets, helicopters

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has led a team of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) experts to acquire fighter jets and helicopters from Italy.

Members of the delegation include officials from the Ministries of Defence and Finance, to finalise acquisition of fighter jets and helicopters from Messrs Leonardo S.p.A in Italy.

The platforms include 24 M-346 Fighter Ground Attack (FGA) jets and an additional 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters.

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, on Sunday in Abuja.

Akinboyewa said that two AW-109 Trekker helicopters had already been acquired by NAF.

He said that the CAS made a strategic stopover at the Leonardo Headquarters in Rome, where he engaged with top executives to consolidate a long-term partnership between the NAF and the company.

According to him, Abubakar also inspected the first batch of 6 M-346 jets, noting that three are nearing completion, and evaluated key support systems required to boost the NAF’s operational readiness.

“In the Review Meeting, the CAS received updates on the delivery schedules, confirming that the first three units of 24 M-346 aircraft to be built for Nigeria are expected by early 2025, with subsequent deliveries running until mid-2026.

“Meanwhile, with 2 Trekkers already acquired, the additional 10 are expected by early 2026.

“The CAS recommended the establishment of a Programme Management Office to oversee the collaboration and ensure smooth project implementation.

“He also stressed the need for a maintenance hub in Nigeria to provide long-term support, especially for the M-346 fleet,” Akinboyewa said.

The NAF spokesman said that the firm’s Aircraft Division put on an aerial display to showcase the performance of the M-346 and highlight its advanced features as part of the visit.

According to him, capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, the M-346 will significantly strengthen Nigeria’s air combat capabilities.

“On its part, the AW-109 will bolster combat support roles such as Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), tactical airlift and Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) amongst others.

“The M-346 and Trekker acquisitions are key steps towards fleet renewal, in consonance with the CAS Command Philosophy.

“His philosophy is to transform the NAF for greater agility and resilience, with emphasis on the optimisation of force structure and establishment for enhanced operational effectiveness,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama/Abiemwense Moru

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