The Nigerian Air Force has announced plans to accelerate the procurement of more than 46 modern aircraft including helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles as part of efforts to strengthen air operations and enhance national security across the country.
The Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke disclosed this while inaugurating key infrastructural projects at the Nigerian Air Force Base in Kaduna. He said the acquisitions are central to the ongoing transformation of the Service and are aimed at improving the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria across the full spectrum of air operations.
According to the Air Chief the platforms being procured include 24 M 346 fighter ground attack aircraft 12 AH 1Z Viper attack helicopters and 10 AW 109 Trekker helicopters alongside unmanned aerial vehicles. He explained that the combination of manned and unmanned platforms will significantly enhance intelligence surveillance reconnaissance and precision strike capabilities.
Air Marshal Aneke noted that strategic engagements with international partners in the United States Italy and Türkiye have begun to yield positive outcomes adding that these partnerships are critical to ensuring timely delivery and operational integration of the new platforms. He said the acquisitions are designed to address both current and emerging security threats confronting the country.
Beyond fleet expansion the Air Chief stressed that the Nigerian Air Force has taken deliberate steps to prepare its personnel for the operation of the incoming advanced platforms. He described ongoing training and capacity building initiatives as essential to ensuring that pilots engineers and support crews are fully equipped to operate and maintain modern aircraft.
He said the developments are critical to preparing the next generation of pilots who will operate the Service’s new platforms and project effective air power in support of ground and maritime forces. According to him the focus is not only on acquiring equipment but also on building a professional and mission ready force.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame the Air Chief expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his consistent support for national security. He acknowledged the President’s role as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces and praised his commitment to strengthening the nation’s defence capabilities.
The Air Chief specifically commended the President’s bilateral engagements with the Government of the Republic of Türkiye which he said have contributed to the acquisition of advanced helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles for the Nigerian Air Force. He described the support as critical to sustaining ongoing reforms within the Service.
Highlighting the significance of the infrastructural projects inaugurated at the Kaduna base Air Marshal Aneke said the completion of the Student Pilots Quarters represents a major milestone in pilot training and welfare. He noted that the facilities will enable better preparation of pilots to operate modern aircraft and deliver precise air power against security threats.
He emphasised that the inauguration of the projects went beyond the physical structures. According to him the exercise aligns with his command philosophy of enhancing and sustaining a highly motivated professional and mission ready force capable of delivering decisive air power in synergy with surface forces to achieve national security objectives.
The projects inaugurated include six blocks of 12 one bedroom Student Pilots Quarters a block of six three bedroom flats initiated by the Ministry of Defence and completed by the Nigerian Air Force and a block of 30 one bedroom studio apartments for airmen and airwomen of the Military Training Centre.
The Air Chief urged personnel to uphold the highest standards of discipline professionalism and integrity in the discharge of their duties. He also commended the former Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal H B Abubakar for his foresight in initiating the projects and praised the Logistics Branch the Air Officer Commanding and contractors for the timely completion of the facilities.
He further acknowledged the Federal Government and the leadership of the National Assembly for approving the fiscal releases that made the projects possible. Reaffirming the Service’s commitment to the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda Air Marshal Aneke pledged that the Nigerian Air Force would remain a key stakeholder in efforts to build a safe secure and prosperous Nigeria.
In his welcome address the Air Officer Commanding Air Training Command Air Vice Marshal E P Efanga praised the leadership of the Air Chief and the dedication of personnel and contractors involved in delivering the projects. He described the facilities as a significant boost to operational readiness and personnel welfare noting that they will play a vital role in preparing pilots to operate advanced platforms that will shape the future of the Nigerian Air Force.
Meanwhile the Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede has charged troops of the Joint Task Force South South Operation Delta Safe to carry out their duties with the highest level of professionalism integrity and discipline.
General Oluyede gave the charge during the inauguration of newly constructed accommodation for Non Commissioned Officers and a remodelled conference hall at the headquarters of the task force in Igbogene Yenagoa Bayelsa State. He warned personnel against any form of illegality or compromise while carrying out their responsibilities.
The Chief of Defence Staff stressed that the protection of oil and gas infrastructure remains critical to Nigeria’s economic stability and requires unwavering commitment from security forces. He reaffirmed his determination to prioritise the welfare and working conditions of personnel across the Armed Forces.
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information Major General Samaila Uba the Defence Chief said efforts are ongoing to enhance welfare packages for service members. He pledged to leave no stone unturned in improving the overall wellbeing morale and effectiveness of troops.
General Oluyede also commended the Commander of Joint Task Force Operation Delta Safe Rear Admiral Olugbenga Oladipo for successfully executing the projects describing them as value adding initiatives that demonstrate strong commitment to personnel welfare.
In his remarks Rear Admiral Oladipo thanked the Chief of Defence Staff for attending the event despite his busy schedule. He said the projects were conceived and delivered in line with the Defence Chief’s strategic philosophy which places troop welfare at the centre of operational effectiveness.
The newly inaugurated Non Commissioned Officers accommodation comprises 24 apartments equipped with round the clock solar power water supply bedding and cooling systems to ensure the comfort of personnel. The Commander reaffirmed his commitment to improving living conditions for officers and men noting that enhanced welfare directly boosts morale and operational performance.
He reiterated that Operation Delta Safe remains focused on protecting oil and gas assets deterring militancy combating sea robbery and safeguarding lives and property across the Niger Delta region.
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