FG Approves Purchase of 12 Helicopters -COAS

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, on Tuesday, said the Federal Government has approved the purchase of 12 MD 530F Cayuse Attack Helicopters to improve the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Army.

According to him, the procurement of the attack helicopters was part of the ongoing efforts of the government to strengthen the operational efficiency of Army aviation to combat the insecurity bedevilling the country.

A statement by the Director,  of Army Public Relations,  Brig.  Gen.  Onyema Nwachukwu said the Army Chief disclosed this at the Nigerian Army Aviation maiden seminar on Aviation Security Awareness in Abuja.

The statement read, “The Federal Government of Nigeria in support of the operationalization of Nigerian Army Aviation has approved the acquisition of the initial 12 MD 530F Cayuse Attack Helicopters that will actualize the operationalization of the Nigerian Army  Aviation to effectively tackle security challenges bedeviling the country.

“The acquisition of the new attack helicopters is part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to boost the operational capabilities of the Army Aviation to appropriately respond to contemporary and emerging security threats.”

The COAS appreciates the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu for the procurement of the helicopters, adding that it will go along way in helping the fight against insecurity in the country.