By Jeremy Fregene
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reactivated its Super Puma helicopter after it was grounded for three years due to a main rotor hub challenge, in a move aimed at strengthening air support for ongoing security operations across the country.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, disclosed this while inaugurating the reactivated aircraft at the 205 Rotary Wing of the NAF in Ikeja, Lagos State.
Aneke said the decision to return the Super Puma to service was critical given its versatility and capacity to undertake complex and demanding missions. He noted that the platform, known for its endurance and reliability, would significantly enhance rotary wing operations, including troop transport, search and rescue, casualty evacuation and logistics support.
“Having demonstrated its effectiveness as a tactical mobility platform in Operation Hadin Kai, the Super Puma is a workhorse,” the CAS said.
He added that the reactivation of the helicopter was not just about restoring an aircraft to the fleet but a reflection of his command philosophy to sustain a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive air power in support of national security objectives.
Aneke said the aircraft would also be deployed for close support and training of troops, as well as joint operations with the Nigerian Army and Navy, including maritime domain tasks when required.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to national security, particularly for approving critical acquisitions and support that enabled the activation of legacy platforms. According to him, the return of the Super Puma directly strengthens the NAF’s capacity to support joint operations in Lagos State’s maritime and coastal environment, as well as counterinsurgency and anti-banditry operations in other parts of the country.
The CAS urged personnel of the 205 Rotary Wing responsible for operating and maintaining the helicopter to uphold the highest standards of safety, professionalism and responsibility to ensure the platform remains mission-ready at all times.
He also acknowledged the contributions of retired Air Commodore Taiwo Badru, the Air Officer Commanding, Mobility Command, AVM Mike Onyebashi, and technicians of the 205 Rotary Wing for their roles in restoring the aircraft to flying condition.
Meanwhile, bandits and terrorists have continued their attacks in parts of the country. In Benue State, the Police Command confirmed that an Assistant Superintendent of Police attached to the 13 Police Mobile Force, Makurdi, was among five persons killed during an attack on Abande community in Kwande Local Government Area.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Edet Udeme, said the attack occurred on February 3 when suspected armed bandits launched an assault on police officers deployed to the community and local residents.
She said the ASP, who was on special assignment in the area, sustained fatal injuries, while four civilians also lost their lives in the attack.
Udeme added that security forces had been deployed to the area to prevent further violence, noting that the Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Mr Ifeanyi Emenari, had ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations to take charge of the situation.
She said additional mobile police personnel and armoured personnel carriers had been deployed to track down the perpetrators and restore peace, assuring that all necessary measures were being taken to bring those responsible to justice.