[Mhiz Rebecca]

The Federal Government has fulfilled its promise of
reducing the number of aircraft in the presidential
fleet as officials released two Agusta Westland
helicopters to the Nigerian Air Force.
At the handing over ceremony, the National Security
Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (rtd),
reaffirmed the government’s commitment to
enhancing the capacity of the Nigerian Armed
Forces.
He advised the Air Force to make judicious use of
the helicopters in the overall interest of Nigeria’s
national security.
Speaking at the event on Monday in Abuja, the
Minister of Defence, Brigadier General Mansur Dan-
Ali (rtd), applauded the gesture of the Federal
Government to support the Nigerian Air Force with
the two aircraft.
He expressed optimism that the helicopters would
aid the air power of the force to respond to national
security threats.
In his remarks, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal
Sadique Abubakar, pledged the commitment of the
force to double its effort in the fight against terror.
He pointed out that the Agusta Westland 101 and
102 helicopters are rugged helicopters used in civil
and military applications.
The Air Chief added that aircraft have ballistic
defence capabilities and are equipped with
defensive aid against some forms of missile attacks.