The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has extended warm congratulations to the Nigerian Navy on the successful induction of new helicopters into its aviation fleet an achievement expected to further boost joint operations and strengthen national security.
In a statement issued on Friday, Air Marshal Abubakar praised the naval leadership for its continued investment in air capability and technological advancement, describing the milestone as a significant step toward enhancing inter-service synergy and Nigeria’s maritime security architecture.
“I heartily congratulate the Nigerian Navy on this strategic addition to its aviation capacity. This development is not only a boost to maritime surveillance and anti-piracy operations but also an opportunity to deepen joint mission coordination between our armed forces,” the CAS noted.
The newly inducted helicopters—equipped with state-of-the-art sensors, night-vision systems, and combat support capabilities are expected to significantly enhance the Navy’s ability to conduct intelligence, reconnaissance, search-and-rescue, and surface warfare missions across Nigeria’s coastal waters and beyond.
This development comes at a time when the Nigerian military continues to evolve toward integrated operations, with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the Nigerian Navy increasingly working in tandem to counter rising threats from piracy, illegal bunkering, smuggling, and other transnational crimes.
Air Marshal Abubakar emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration among the services, adding that synergy and interoperability are key to winning the asymmetric battles Nigeria faces today. He reaffirmed the Air Force’s commitment to supporting naval operations with strategic airlift, intelligence, and air combat support when required.
The induction ceremony, held at the Nigerian Navy Air Base in Ojo, Lagos, was attended by top military officials, dignitaries, and defense stakeholders. Naval officers present expressed optimism that the addition of the aircraft would not only modernize their operations but also foster greater alignment with the Air Force’s aerial assets during joint missions.
This milestone reflects the Nigerian Navy’s ongoing transformation drive and underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to equipping the military with modern platforms to safeguard the nation’s territorial integrity and maritime interests.
