Army kick-starts aviation wing, takes delivery of new aircraft

The Nigerian Army has taken delivery of new aircraft to enhance the operational capabilities of its aviation wing.

The Bell UH-1H helicopters are equipped with advanced sensors and enablers for a range of missions, including reconnaissance, surveillance, rescue, logistics, transportation, and medical evacuation.

In a statement on Thursday, Onyema Nwachuku, army spokesperson, said the arrival of the aircraft marks a significant milestone in the development of the army’s aviation capacity.

He said the wing will provide air support for ground operations.

Taoreed Lagbaja, the chief of army staff (COAS), commended Kenneth Minimah, former army chief, for conceiving the idea to establish an aviation wing for the Nigerian Army.

The COAS said the tenacity and drive of former army chiefs and the political will of the federal government were instrumental in the establishment of the wing.

“I must sincerely appreciate the various administrations that have been in government since 2014, from His Excellency Goodluck Jonathan to His Excellency Mohammadu Buhari, for their support in training our pilots and ground crews and putting in place necessary structures over these years,” Lagbaja said.

“I must especially thank the President, C-in-C of the Armed Forces of Nigeria His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for fulfilling his promise to fund the acquisition of our platforms and providing the necessary funding to realise our dream.”