‘FG Will End Insecurity, All Forms of Criminalities in Nigeria’

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Vice Admiral Hassan Bala Abubakar, yesterday reiterated the commitment of the federal government to end insurgency and all forms of criminal vices in the country.

Abubakar stated this in Ilorin, Kwara State, during the official reception and commissioning of four Diamond Multi-Purpose Platform Special Mission Aircraft at the 303 Medium Airlift Group in Ilorin.

He said: “The induction of the platforms we are witnessing today is an indication of the sincerity and commitment of the federal government in ensuring that peace and stability return to the country.

 “The event we are also witnessing today began about two years ago when the federal government appropriated the funds for the acquisition of 4 x Diamond 62 Multi-Purpose Special Mission Aircraft for the Nigerian Air Force.

“Out of the fouzr aircraft, the first two aircraft were delivered between February and July 2023. It is therefore a great delight to be here with you today to witness the delivery/reception ceremony of the last two Diamond 62 Multi-Purpose Special Mission Aircraft out of the four that were acquired.

“The two aircraft earlier delivered have since been deployed for operational missions in support of the ongoing effort by the armed forces to restore peace and stability in troubled areas within the country.”

He added: “The Diamond DA62 is a five- to seven-seat, twin-engine light multipurpose aircraft produced by Messrs Diamond Aircraft Industries of Austria.

 “The Diamond 62 aircraft can be used for pilot training and light liaison missions. It can also be configured for manned Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

“The four aircraft acquired by the NAF are configured for manned ISR mission roles. These functionalities are achieved through the ARGOS II camera payload system mounted on each aircraft.”

Abubakar posited further that: “I am happy to inform you that besides the Diamond 62 aircraft being inducted today, the federal government is in the process of acquiring additional combat platforms for the NAF.

“Some of them include 24 x M346FA aircraft and 12 x AW109 Trekker light utility/light attack helicopters both from Messrs Leonardo as well as 12 x AH-1Z Super Cobra and 6 x T-129 ATAK attack helicopters from Messrs Bell Helicopters and Messrs Turkish Aerospace Industry respectively. Furthermore, the NAF is expecting to take delivery of 2 x King Air 360i Beechcraft aircraft before the end of the year.

“As we receive these Diamond 62 Multi-Purpose Platform Special Mission Aircraft today, I urge all personnel, both air and ground crew, that will be handling these platforms to ensure they are properly handled and operated following the recommended practices by the Original Equipment Manufacturer.

“Also, I would like to implore you to leverage on the capabilities available on these ISR platforms to enhance our operational efficiency for successful internal security operations.

“In line with one of the key enablers of my Command philosophy, which is Deliberate Training and Mission-oriented Force Development, I have directed the appropriate Branch Chiefs to programme more personnel for training on the aircraft for effective deployment and support in the field.”

Abubakar, however said: “This auspicious occasion would not have been possible without the support of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu. We promise to do our best with the sister services so that peace and stability are fully restored in Nigeria during your tenure.”

Also speaking at the event, the Flag Officer Commanding, Mobility Command, Air Vice Marshall T.O Yusuf, lauded the efforts of the leadership of the Nigerian Air Force to making things work in the Force.

He said: “The reason for the acquisition of the Diamond 62 Multi-Purpose Platform by the Nigerian Air Force majorly stems from the aircraft’s capability to carry out robust ISR missions in furtherance of combat operations.”