The Nigerian Army (NA) has expressed delight at the establishment of its aviation wing, which it believes will significantly strengthen its operations. The wing was formally inaugurated with the delivery of two Bell UH-1H helicopters at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on June 20, 2024.
The Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, highlighted the capabilities of the BELL UH-1H helicopters, which are equipped with advanced sensors and enablers to conduct various missions such as reconnaissance, surveillance, rescue, logistics, transportation, and medical evacuation.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, received the aircraft in a brief ceremony and praised the efforts of former Chiefs of Army Staff, who conceptualized the idea of establishing an NA Aviation wing in 2014.
He also thanked successive administrations for their support in training NA pilots and ground crews and putting in place necessary structures.
The COAS expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for fulfilling his promise to fund the acquisition of NA platforms and providing all support to actualize the dream. He also acknowledged the support of sister services and the Nigerian Police Force Aviation wing.
The Coordinator of NA Aviation, Brigadier General Musa Alkali, emphasized that the arrival of the NA Aviation vanguard platforms marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance the operational capabilities of the NA Aviation.
He noted that the acquisition of the platforms is a clear demonstration of the NA's aviation resolve to continuously improve and adapt in the face of an evolving security landscape, which will boost the NA's reconnaissance, surveillance, and air mobility capabilities.
