By John Ogunsemore
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, particularly in safeguarding critical national infrastructure.
This is contained in a Wednesday statement released by NAF.
The handover ceremony took place in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
At the ceremony, Governor Siminalayi Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies in protecting lives, combating illegal oil bunkering, and sustaining economic stability.
In his response, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, expressed gratitude for the support and partnership from the Rivers State Government.
He noted that the AW139’s advanced capabilities will boost NAF’s rapid response missions.
He further commended the Federal Government of Nigeria for its unwavering support in strengthening the NAF’s operational capabilities through ongoing fleet expansion efforts.
He specially thanked the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu, for his commitment to modernising the NAF, particularly through the acquisition of advanced platforms such as the T-129 ATAK helicopters and UAVs.
He said these advancements reinforce NAF’s capacity to secure Nigeria’s economic assets and ensure national stability.