The Rivers State Government has donated an AgustaWestland (AW) 139 helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to enhance security operations in the Niger Delta.
The NAF in a statement on its X handle stated that particular emphasis for the use of the helicopter was on safeguarding critical national infrastructure in the area.
At the handover ceremony in Port Harcourt, Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies in protecting lives, combating illegal oil bunkering, and sustaining economic stability.
Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, expressed gratitude for the support and partnership from the Rivers State Government, noting that the AW139’s advanced capabilities will boost NAF’s rapid response missions.
He further commended the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) for its unwavering support in strengthening the NAF’s operational capabilities through ongoing fleet expansion efforts and especially thanked the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu, for his commitment to modernizing the NAF, particularly through the acquisition of advanced platforms such as the T-129 ATAK helicopters and UAVs.
“These advancements reinforce NAF’s capacity to secure Nigeria’s economic assets and ensure national stability”, the NAF said.
