NAF RETURNS HELICOPTER TO SERVICE AFTER SUCCESSFUL BORNO DEPLOYMENT
Read Time:2 Minute, 4 Second
By: Fasasi Hammad
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reactivated its Super Puma helicopter, NAF 565, which had been grounded due to unserviceability, in a move aimed at strengthening operational capability and sustaining airpower in support of national security.
The aircraft was restored through the efforts of retired Air Commodore T.A. Badru, Air Officer Commanding Mobility Command, and personnel of 205 Rotary Wing. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, officially reactivated the helicopter on Tuesday, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, NAF spokesman, confirmed in a statement on Wednesday.
Speaking during the event, Air Marshal Aneke emphasized that the return of the Super Puma reflects the Air Force’s ongoing commitment to restoring and maintaining key platforms to ensure mission readiness.
“This occasion is not merely about the return of an aircraft to our fleet, but a demonstration of our unwavering commitment to enhance and sustain a highly motivated, professional, and mission-ready force. Restoring legacy platforms is central to strengthening national security,” he said.
The Chief of the Air Staff described the Super Puma as a versatile rotary-wing aircraft crucial for troop transport, casualty evacuation, search and rescue, and logistics support. He added that the helicopter had been actively deployed in Operation Hadin Kai and other joint operations, and its return will bolster maritime security in Lagos while enhancing counterinsurgency and anti-banditry operations nationwide.
Aneke commended the project consultant, retired Air Commodore T.A. Badru, the Air Officer Commanding Mobility Command, and the 205 Rotary Wing personnel for their contributions to the reactivation. He also urged operators and maintenance crews to adhere strictly to safety and maintenance protocols to sustain the aircraft’s serviceability.
READ MORE :
NDLEA BUSTS 46 SUSPECTED TRAFFICKERS, CONFISCATES 6.4 TONS OF DRUGS IN EDO
During a durbar with officers, airmen, and airwomen at Sam Ethnan Air Force Base, Aneke reviewed his first 100 days in office, highlighting improvements in aircraft serviceability, operational tempo, and coordination between logistics and operations. He disclosed plans to accelerate the induction of new combat platforms to strengthen precision strike capabilities and deterrence.
On personnel welfare, Aneke said the NAF would prioritize completing ongoing accommodation projects, improving allowances, medical services, and working conditions, while urging all personnel to remain disciplined and professional as operations intensify nationwide.
The reactivation of NAF 565 underscores the Air Force’s ongoing efforts to restore critical assets, enhance operational readiness, and ensure sustained security operations across Nigeria.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0