NAF Reactivates Super Puma Helicopter As Army, France Deepen Defence Cooperation To Boost National Security

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and Nigerian Army on Wednesday recorded significant milestones in boosting national security through enhanced combat readiness and strengthened international defence cooperation.

In Lagos, the NAF reactivated its Super Puma helicopter (NAF 565) at the 205 Rotary Wing, a move described as a major boost to the Service’s operational capability. The commissioning ceremony was led by the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke, who said the reactivation symbolised renewed capability, institutional focus, and the Air Force’s commitment to maintaining decisive airpower in national defence.

Speaking at the event, Air Marshal Aneke noted that the restoration of legacy platforms such as the Super Puma was central to strengthening national security, adding that the helicopter remains one of the most versatile rotary-wing platforms in the NAF inventory. He highlighted its roles in troop transport, casualty evacuation, search and rescue, logistics support, maritime security in Lagos, and counterinsurgency and anti-banditry operations nationwide.

The CAS also acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s support, saying the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda had translated into tangible capability gains for the NAF through strategic acquisitions and restoration of critical assets. He commended the consultant, retired Air Commodore TA Badru, the Mobility Command, and the technicians of 205 Rotary Wing for successfully reactivating the aircraft, while urging strict adherence to safety and maintenance standards.

Air Marshal Aneke further disclosed that the NAF is fast-tracking the induction of advanced combat platforms to enhance precision strike capabilities and regional deterrence, while prioritising personnel welfare through improved accommodation, allowances, medical support, and working conditions under the “Welfare for Enhanced Warfare” initiative.

Meanwhile, in Abuja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, met with the French Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Colonel Stéphane Useo, at the Army Headquarters as part of efforts to deepen international defence cooperation to address Nigeria’s security challenges.

Lieutenant General Shaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to continuous professional development and sustained bilateral defence partnerships, noting that long-term cooperation with France in capacity building, advanced training, intelligence sharing, and operational effectiveness aligns with contemporary security realities.

He commended France’s continued collaboration with the Nigerian Army, describing such partnerships as critical to countering regional security threats.

In his remarks, Colonel Useo praised the Nigerian Army’s resilience and professionalism, particularly its successful recovery operations in the Republic of Benin. He advocated expanded access to strategic professional military courses, especially in public relations and aviation, and described the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information as one of the best on the continent.

Colonel Useo reaffirmed France’s commitment to strengthening defence cooperation with Nigeria, stressing shared responsibility in promoting regional stability, countering emerging threats, and building sustainable military capacity.

The engagements underscore Nigeria’s twin-track approach of strengthening indigenous military capabilities while leveraging strategic international partnerships to address evolving security challenges across the region.