Tinubu has approved purchase of 12 attack helicopters, says army chief

Taoreed Lagbaja, the chief of army staff, says President Bola Tinubu has approved the procurement of 12 attack helicopters for the Nigerian army.

Lagbaja disclosed this on Tuesday at the opening of the maiden Nigerian army aviation seminar in Abuja.

The army chief said the 12 MD 530F Cayuse attack helicopters would operationalise the Nigerian army aviation unit, which was set up to improve ground troops’ agility, responsiveness, and efficacy during operations.

He added that it would also contribute to the overall operational success of joint and coalition troops.

Lagbaja explained that the army’s aviation unit– as separate from a nation’s dedicated air force– is usually equipped with helicopters and light support fixed-wing aircraft.

“The army aviation arms of these countries have shown effectiveness in countering contemporary security threats and providing vital support to ground forces,” NAN quoted Lagbaja as saying. 

“In view of the need to realize this, and in its bid to appropriately respond to contemporary and emerging security threats, the Nigerian army resuscitated its aviation aspiration in 2014.

“I am happy to inform this gathering that the Nigerian army is willing to learn from the army aviation journeys of the countries mentioned earlier.

“Our willingness to learn from them is to adapt their best practices to suit our unique operational environment and avoid their mistakes.

“I can proudly report that since 2014, the Nigerian army has made commendable progress in training pilots, aircraft engineers, technicians, and other ground support crew.”

Lagbaja said the army had submitted the aviation outfit to the Nigerian air force for proper mentoring.