Abati: I thought I could rattle Tinubu during media chat — but he knows what he’s doing

By Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja and Musa Umar Bologi, Abuja

• President inducts two T-129 ATAK helicopters

President Bola Tinubu yesterday urged the Armed Forces and other security agencies to intensify efforts at containing the multi-dimensional security challenges facing the country.

He restated his administration’s continued support to the nation’s security forces through the modernisation of their fleets, training and welfare of personnel.

A statement in Abuja by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity in the Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, said President Tinubu stated this during the induction of two TK-129 ATAK helicopters and a King Air 360i aircraft at the Nigeria Air (NAF) base in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

President Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, recalled the commissioning and induction of four additional Diamond-62 surveillance aircraft into the arsenal of the NAF about two months ago.

He said this symbolised his government’s enduring commitment to the ideals of patriotism and investment in the nation’s security.

“Indeed, our solemn commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s security hinges upon the realisation that without vigilant attention to the needs of our Armed Forces, who are saddled with the maintenance of peace, law, order and stability, anarchy and lawlessness would surely prevail,” President Tinubu said.

Delivering the President’s address, Vice President Shettima noted that the acquisition of the helicopters and aircraft had become necessary to improve the strategic use of air power in combating terrorism, insurgency and other security challenges plaguing the nation.

He said: “I have no doubt that the deployment of these platforms would add impetus to the combat efficiency of the Nigerian Air Force in addressing our contemporary security challenges, not only within the shores of our country but also in the West African region. We are committed to taking the right steps to achieve the desired results.

“The acquisition of these aircraft amongst other military equipment, despite our budgetary constraints, is an expression of our commitment. We shall ensure that every sector of our nation benefits from the change that we promised.

“I, therefore, expect discipline in operation and a strong maintenance culture that will enable the nation to derive maximum benefits from these acquisitions.”

Inducting the aircraft and helicopters, the President said: “Finally, I congratulate the Chief of the Air Staff and all the personnel of the Air Force on this occasion of the commissioning of the T-129 ATAK helicopters and King Air 360i aircraft into the Service.

“At this juncture, I hereby induct the 2 x T -129 ATAK helicopters as NAF 500 and NAF 501 and King Air 360i as NAF 205 into the Service of the Nigerian Air Force and our country.”

Also, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, noted that the acquisition and induction of the T129 ATAK helicopters and Beechcraft King Air 360i aircraft was a testament to the Federal Government’s unwavering resolve to equip and empower the Air Force and enhance its capacity to address security challenges confronting the nation, in conjunction with sister forces and security agencies.

The CAS assured Nigerians that the NAF would not rest until it restores peace and stability.

He urged Nigerians to keep the faith with the service and hope in the advancement and prosperity of the nation.

Defence Minister Mohammed Abubakar Badaru said the induction of the new platforms for the NAF was a testimony of President Tinubu’s resolve to add impetus to the Armed Forces’ fight against security challenges in the country.