The Rivers state government has donated an AgustaWeatland (AW) 139 helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force (NFA) to enhance security operations in the Niger Delta region .
At the official handover ceremony in Port Harcourt, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies in safeguarding lives, combating illegal oil bunkering, and maintaining economic stability.
Receiving the helicopter, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, expressed gratitude for the partnership and emphasized that the AW139’s advanced capabilities would strengthen BAF’s rapid response operations.
He also commended the Federal Government of Nigeria, for its continued support in expanding the Air Force’s fleet, acknowledging the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in modernizing NAF’s operational capacity.
“The commitment of the Commander-in-Chief to the acquisition of advanced platforms such as the T-128 ATAK helicopter and unmanned aeeial vehicles reinforces NAF’s ability to secure Nigeria’s economic assets and ensure national stability,” Air Marshal Abubakar stated.
The AW139 helicopter, as gathered by WorldClass247News, is expected to play a key role in countering security threats, protecting oil and gas facilities, and improving air surveillance in the region.