By Desmond Ejibas
Port Harcourt – Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers has announced the donation of a helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as part of the ongoing efforts to increase Nigeria’s crude oil production.
Fubara handed over the refurbished Agusta AW139 helicopter to NAF at its 115 Special Operations Group base in Port Harcourt.
He stated that his administration had fully supported President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to boost crude oil production beyond 2 million barrels per day before December.
According to him, the state government has also provided significant logistics to security agencies to safeguard lives, property, and critical oil assets in Rivers.
“This Agusta AW139 helicopter, which has been out of use for years, is part of my administration’s commitment to supporting NAF’s operations in Rivers and the Niger Delta region.
“Furthermore, backing President Tinubu’s efforts to increase crude oil production is beneficial to us; if oil production rises, it will generate more revenue for Rivers State,” he said.
Fubara added that, in addition to the helicopter, the state government was currently resurfacing the Air Force base runway to facilitate seamless flight operations.
“We want to be remembered as an administration that paid serious attention to the security of lives and property for our people.
“The support we have provided to our security agencies is a demonstration of our commitment to ensuring a secure Rivers State and Nigeria,” Fubara added.
The governor appealed to the Air Force leadership to deploy the aircraft for surveillance operations, particularly within the state and the wider the Niger Delta region.
Receiving the helicopter, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Hassan Abubakar, expressed gratitude to Fubara for collaborating with NAF to enhance security in the state and across the country.
He noted that the Air Force had consistently received logistical support from successive administrations in the state over the years.
“This is evident in the construction of essential infrastructure, including perimeter fencing, residential blocks, and a VIP lounge.
“More recently, Gov. Fubara approved the rehabilitation of the runway and aprons here at the 115 Special Operations Group base,” he stated.
Abubakar emphasised that the helicopter would be deployed for tactical airlift operations, search and rescue missions, and disaster relief efforts.
“With its advanced avionics, high-speed capability, and versatility, the helicopter will enhance our ability to conduct rapid response missions and humanitarian operations.
“The addition of this aircraft to our fleet further underscores our commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians,” he added.
Abubakar further disclosed that NAF had initiated comprehensive training programmes for Air Force pilots, engineers, and technicians to ensure the optimal utilisation of its fleet.
He also stated that the Air Force had begun strengthening its maintenance infrastructure to ensure the sustainability and serviceability of its aircrafts.
He reaffirmed that NAF remained committed to collaborating with other security agencies to combat illegal bunkering and all forms of criminal activity.
According to him, through enhanced surveillance, precision air strikes, and joint task force engagements, we will continue to protect the nation’s vital resources and maritime domain.
