The Nigerian Army Aviation Unit is set to roar to life with the arrival of two fighter jets to boost the operational capabilities of the Army.

The arrival of the Bell UH1 combat helicopters at the Nigerian Police Air wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja comes 10 years after a former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah, unfolded the plan.

Current COAS, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja had in 2023 disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had approved the acquisition of 12 MD 530F Cayuse Attack Helicopters for the reenergisation of the Army Aviation unit.

Receiving the fighter jets, an elated Lt-Gen Lagbaja said the dream of getting the aviation unit into operation had come to pass.

He said: “I am glad that, as conceptualised, 10 years later, we have today(yesterday) taken delivery of our first set of platforms.

“The journey, as predicted by the initial dreamers, has not been easy, but here we are by the grace of God, realising our dream.

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“We are new to this business, and as newcomers, we must acknowledge our forerunners like the NAF(Nigerian Air Force), NN(Nigerian Navy), and the NPF(Nigeria Police Force).

“We are on our learning curve in the aviation business, and we hope it will be a pleasant experience that will enhance our operational successes.”

The Army chief said the jets would be used for casualty evacuation, reconnaissance, and surveillance.

Coordinator of the Aviation Wing, Brig.-Gen. M.S Alkali said the introduction of the advanced air platforms marked a new chapter in Army’s operational readiness and ability to respond swiftly and effectively to security challenges.

Brig.Gen. Alkali said: “These platforms will significantly bolster the reconnaissance, surveillance, and air mobility capabilities, thereby enhancing our overall operational effectiveness.

“As we integrate these platforms into our operations, let us also remember that the true strength of our aviation lies in the skilled and courageous personnel who operate and maintain these machines.

“Their professionalism, dedication, and expertise are the bedrock upon which our success is built.”

At another event in Kano, Kano State, Lt-Gen Lagbaja said that 120,000 Boko Haram fighters and their families had surrendered to troops in the Northeast.

Lagbaja announced the figure while delivering a keynote address at the Second-quarter edition of the Nigerian Army Civil-Military Cooperation Media Chat 2024.

He was represented at the event by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Mayirensa Saraso.

Lagbaja added that security agencies have been winning the war against internal challenges in the country.

His words: “The culminating effects of these operations include the rescue of abducted Nigerians, such as the 350 persons rescued from Sambisa forest last month, the surrender of over 120,000 Boko Haram fighters and their family members in the Northeast, the desire of over 20,000 Nigerian refugees in Cameroon to return to their ancestral homes in Borno and Adamawa states, and the thwarting/rescue of thousands of kidnapping incidents/victims across the country.

“You may be aware troops of the Nigerian Army operating with other security agencies have made significant milestones in operations across all theatres within Nigeria.’’