- Nigerian Air Force (NAF) receives Agusta Westland (AW) 139 helicopter from Rivers State Government.
- AW139 will enhance NAF’s rapid response capabilities.
- NAF prioritizes deployment of T-129 ATAK helicopters against illegal oil bunkering and crude oil theft.
- NAF deploys Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and advanced surveillance and strike platforms.
- Efforts aim to curb criminality and ensure safety and economic growth in Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Rivers State Government has made a significant contribution to national security by donating an Agusta Westland (AW) 139 helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). This donation aims to enhance the protection of critical national assets in the Niger Delta region, complementing the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts .
At the handover ceremony on March 5, 2025, at NAF Base in Port Harcourt, Governor Siminalayi Fubara emphasized that this donation aligns with his administration’s goal to support national security initiatives. He reiterated his government’s commitment to collaborating with the NAF and other security agencies to protect lives, safeguard critical infrastructure, and maintain economic stability.
The donated helicopter, an Agusta Westland (AW) 139, is equipped with advanced avionics and high-speed capabilities, making it an valuable asset for rapid response missions. Training programs for pilots, engineers, and technicians have already begun to ensure the effective deployment and maintenance of the aircraft .
Governor Siminalayi Fubara has highlighted the crucial role of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in combating security threats, particularly illegal oil bunkering, in the Niger Delta region. He noted that the Air Force’s presence has led to increased crude oil output, demonstrating the effectiveness of the combined efforts of Nigerian security agencies in protecting critical infrastructure .
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, expressed gratitude for the long-standing partnership between the NAF and Rivers State, which dates back to the Nigerian Civil War. He acknowledged the state’s ongoing support, including infrastructure upgrades and recent runway rehabilitation at the NAF Base .
This partnership has been further strengthened by the Rivers State Government’s donation of an Agusta Westland (AW) 139 helicopter to the NAF. The helicopter, equipped with advanced avionics and high-speed capabilities, will enhance the Air Force’s ability to carry out rapid response missions .
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has received a significant boost with the donation of an Agusta Westland (AW) 139 helicopter from the Rivers State Government. According to Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), this helicopter will enhance the NAF’s capacity for rapid response missions due to its advanced avionics, high-speed capabilities, and versatility .
To ensure the effective deployment of the AW139, the Air Force has already begun comprehensive training for pilots, engineers, and technicians. Additionally, efforts are underway to strengthen maintenance infrastructure, which will guarantee the helicopter’s long-term operational efficiency.
Air Marshal Abubakar expressed his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to modernizing the NAF. The ongoing fleet expansion and infrastructure upgrades have substantially enhanced operational readiness.
The CAS’s command philosophy focuses on transforming the NAF into an agile and resilient force that effectively meets national security demands in all operational environments. Key enablers of this philosophy include optimizing force structure, deliberate training, proactive logistics support, prioritizing research and development, and maintaining a highly motivated force .
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is intensifying its efforts to address evolving security challenges, particularly in the Niger Delta region. The Chief of Air Staff (CAS) highlighted that the NAF has prioritized the deployment of newly acquired T-129 ATAK helicopters for combat operations against illegal oil bunkering and crude oil theft .
In addition to these advanced attack helicopters, the NAF has also deployed:
· Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs): to enhance surveillance and strike capabilities
· Cutting-edge surveillance and strike platforms: to bolster security operations and curb criminality
These efforts aim to ensure that Rivers State and the nation remain safe and thriving hubs for economic activities. The NAF’s commitment to national security is aligned with the government’s dedication to a stronger, more resilient national defence.
