Nigeria to use seized helicopter in fight against Boko Haram

macfranc007 November 02, 2017 Nigeria News today & Breaking news ▷ Read Nigerian newspapers 24/7 Aanu Adegun

- A seized and refurbished helicopter has been deplored to the northeast part of Nigeria

- The helicopter is expected to boost the military’s war against insurgency

- According to Sadiq Abubakar, chief of the Air Staff, the helicopter is suitable for deployment in hostile environments

The Nigerian air force have deployed another aircraft to the northeast in the fight against Boko Haram insurgents.

The deplored helicopter was one of the two aircraft seized by the FG and handed over to the Nigerian Air Force.

Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar the chief of the Air Staff (CAS), stated this on Wednesday, November 1 at induction of the Bell 412 Utility Helicopter into the service’s fleet at 631 Aircraft Maintenance Depot, Ikeja in Lagos.

He said the helicopter was completely refurbished, adding that its engines, main rotor transmissions, surveillance cameras amongst others were shipped to the United States and Canada for overhaul.

He also that said the helicopter would boost the military’s war against insurgency, noting its peculiar features.

“We have inducted into the NAF inventory, one of the two handed over Bell 412 helicopters. The two helicopters were seized by the Government and transferred to the Nigerian Air Force.

“As at the time of transfer however, the helicopters had been in containers for about two years, thus, necessitating an overhaul of its major components such as the engines main rotor transmissions, and repair of surveillance cameras amongst other items.

"These items had to be shipped to the United States and Canada for overhaul. Already, maintenance of one of the helicopters which would be deployed to the North East has been completed here in Ikeja. Work is at an advanced stage on the second helicopter which will also be inducted soon.

“The induction of these air assets will boost the NAF’s operational standing, free other Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance assets to be dedicated to operational theatres, and also save cost occasioned by the reduction in maintenance hours of air assets due to re-rolling. It is also gratifying to note that the repair and maintenance was used to give our technicians the opportunity to build capacity.

“To be effective in the increased threat environment posed by contemporary security challenges, the NAF must possess the capacity and capability to project power across and within its operational theatres of engagement. The primary means by which the Service achieves power projection is through the use of its air assets.”

Going further, Abubakar said: “Indeed, the helicopter is suitable for deployment in hostile environments and can also be employed as a combat utility helicopter for humanitarian assistance, disaster relief operations as well as VIP transportation.

“Given the Nigerian Air Force pivotal role in the ongoing counter terrorism, counter insurgency operations and other internal security operations across the country, these platforms could not have come at a better time than now.

“Already, the service has trained pilots, engineers and technicians to take command and ensure optimal operations of the aircraft. While training of more personnel is underway to guarantee sustained deployment of the helicopters in operations, arrangements are at advanced stage to provide the required ground support equipment and spares for hitch free operation.

“I charge all personnel to demonstrate competence and proficiency, as well as operate and maintain the various platforms, equipments entrusted to your care."

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Meanwhile, NAIJ.com had reported that the chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar, on Friday, October 27, said the service had carried out air raids causing heavy damage to the Boko Haram insurgents in the northeast.

Sadiq told newsmen in Maiduguri that several air raids were conducted under the Operation Ruwan Wuta II, designed as a final onslaught on the insurgents.

Nigerian Air Force operations against Boko Haram on NAIJ.com