Categories: Benue newsLatest News

New gunships arrive Benue [PHOTOS]

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Monday took delivery of two Mi-35M helicopter gunships that the Federal Government ordered from Russia.
The Antonov aircraft, which brought the new Mi-35M helicopters, touched down on the runway at NAF Base Makurdi at exactly 12.20pm.
The Chief of Aircraft Engineering at NAF Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Abdulganiyu Olabisi, received the new aircraft on behalf of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.

Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, made the announcement in a statement on Monday.
It said the newly delivered helicopters, which are capable of night fighting, are all brand new and are the most sophisticated in the Mi-series of helicopter gunships.
The statement added: “At the inception of the current NAF leadership in 2015, it was realized that modern Mi-helicopter gunships with night-fighting capability needed to be procured towards enhancing the operational capability of the NAF.
“Consequently, the delivery of the helicopter gunships would go a long way in adding impetus to the current efforts at combatting the security challenges in Benue State and other parts of the North Central Region as well as other forms of criminality facing the country.
“In addition, with the delivery of the additional Mi-35M helicopters, the on-going counterinsurgency operation in the Northeast has just received a boost.
“It would be recalled that the NAF took delivery of the first batch of 2 brand new Mi-35M helicopters in December 2016, following which the helicopters were inducted and had since been contributing significantly to the counterinsurgency and other Internal Security operations in the country.
“Furthermore, some NAF personnel had undergone training in Russia, as Pilots and technicians on the Mi-35M helicopters, as part of the contract.
“Sequel to the hitch-free delivery, a team of Russian and NAF technicians will now complete the assembly of the newly received helicopters in Nigeria prior to test flying.
“Thereafter, the helicopter gunships will be formally inducted into the NAF, as part of the activities to mark the 54th anniversary celebrations of the Service.”

For Advert: Call 08171607004, 09058228464 Follow us on Twitter @idomavoice, @idomanews Send us releases at idomavoice@gmail.com

Treasure Orokpo

A multi-talented individual with a passion for diverse fields, Treasure Orokpo is a trained journalist, skilled cook, and AI enthusiast. When she's not uncovering the latest stories, you can find her whipping up culinary creations in the kitchen and entertainment.

Recent Posts

Arsenal’s White out for months after knee surgery

Arsenal defender Ben White will be sidelined for “months” following knee surgery, manager Mikel Arteta…

6 hours ago

Kane strikes three as Bayern Munich extend Bundesliga Lead with 3-0 win

A second-half hat-trick from Harry Kane led Bayern Munich to a 3-0 home victory over…

6 hours ago

Super Falcons to face Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana in WAFCON 2024

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been placed in Group B for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup…

7 hours ago

Japa: Russia faces labour shortage, appeals for migrants

Russia is turning to migrants to help address a growing labour shortage caused by its…

7 hours ago

Gunmen abduct family members of former Daily Trust Editor, Demand ₦50m ransom

Three family members of Mallam Ahmed Tahir Ajobe, a former editor at Daily Trust, were…

7 hours ago

Crisis rocks Lagos Celestial Church over N5m renovation donation

The Celestial Church of Christ, Acts of Apostle Parish in Ketu, Alapere, Lagos, has been…

7 hours ago