In a bold double-strike against insurgency, Nigeria’s war machine has been turbo-charged as the Nigerian Air Force takes delivery of deadly new helicopters and the Nigerian Army unleashes a fresh battalion into the volatile heart of Plateau State.
The coordinated reinforcement signals a new, more aggressive phase in the battle to reclaim peace from terrorists, kidnappers and bandits who have turned parts of the nation into killing fields.
New Battalion Storms Plateau’s Killing Fields
The ground offensive is taking shape in Plateau. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has ordered the immediate deployment of an additional battalion to bolster troops already stretched thin across the state’s conflict-prone zones.
Shaibu made the disclosure on Tuesday in Jos while receiving Plateau State Deputy Governor, Mrs Ngo Josephine Piyo.
The fresh deployment is anchored on newly established formations, including the 24 Armour Brigade in Langtang and its component units strategically sited in Mangu, Wase and Shendam — three flashpoints that have witnessed relentless bloodshed.
Military sources say the move will choke off escape routes for armed groups and give troops greater firepower to dominate the terrain.
NAF Unveils Lethal Air Power
From the skies, the punch is getting heavier.
ALSO READ: Troops wipe out Lakurawa terrorists, torch enclaves in fearless raid in Kebbi
The Nigerian Air Force has received five brand new helicopters to strengthen air operations nationwide. The Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, confirmed the arrival in a statement on Tuesday.
The fleet comprises three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters, built by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy, and two H-125 helicopters from Airbus Helicopters.
According to Ejodame, the three Trekker Bs, part of 10 recently acquired by the Federal Government, were received in Lagos, while the two H-125s had arrived earlier. The remaining seven are expected before the end of the year.
The helicopters are currently undergoing post-delivery assembly, technical checks and crew-readiness procedures ahead of induction.
Tinubu’s Big Bet On Air Dominance
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, described the acquisition as a major milestone in the Federal Government’s sustained modernisation of the NAF.
He said the new platforms will massively increase aircraft availability, provide greater flexibility in deploying airpower, and deliver speed, reach and precision to troops in joint operations.
The AW-109 Trekker Bs will spearhead intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, close air support, armed escort and combat search and rescue missions, while the versatile H-125s will provide critical light support across multiple theatres.
Aneke thanked President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to rebuilding the Air Force, noting that every aircraft delivered will add measurable value to counter-terrorism, anti-kidnapping and anti-banditry operations and the protection of lives and property.
