The Nigerian Air Force said it acquired 22 new aircraft within the last four and half years, and that another 16 would soon be delivered.
Air Force Chief, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar disclosed this in Ado Ekiti during a visit to Governor Kayode Fayemi.
Disclosing that the Air Force was expecting an additional Mi-17 helicopter, expected to arrive in April, Abubakar assured that the force had the capacity to ensure the security of all Nigerians.
“The NAF, working in synergy with other security agencies, will continue to do everything humanly possible to ensure that Nigerians remain secured, wherever they live in the country,” he said.
Meanwhile, Abubakar further stated that the Air Force was also expecting the delivery of three JF-17 Thunder multi-role fighter aircraft and 12 Super Tucano attack aircraft.
The latter, according to him would be delivered to the NAF in November 2020 and early 2022.
He said that NAF, in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s policy thrust of ensuring the security of all Nigerians, had also established 13 new units across the country in the past four and a half years or there about.
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These included Quick Response Groups (QRGs) and Wings (QRWs) as well as Detachments at Ipetu Ijesha in Osun, Gusau in Zamfara State and Owerri in Imo.
Other units, he said, were in Daura and Katsina in Katsina State, Gembu in Taraba and Agatu in Benue as well as a Combat Search and Rescue Group (CSARG) at Kerang in Plateau.
The Air Chief explained that he was in Ekiti to assess the site for the proposed International Agro-Allied Cargo Airport being developed by the Ekiti Government.
He said that he was excited about the Ado-Ekiti Airport project because it would further boost the ability of the NAF to project air power in the South West Zone, since the Service would be able to conduct operations from the Airport.
The Air Force Chief assured Governor Fayemi as well as the Government and people of Ekiti of the NAF’s support towards the realisation of the project
Responding, Fayemi, said he was delighted with the CAS’ ‘historic visit’ to Ekiti as well as the promptness of his response to the requests made concerning the actualisation of the Ekiti Airport Project.
