In fulfillment of one of his campaign promises, President Muhammadu Buhari has handed over two aircraft from the presidential fleet to the Nigerian Air Force.
In line with his proposed plans to cut down on expenditure of running the federal government, President Muhammadu Buhari, has today, October 10, handed over two aircraft from the presidential fleet to the Nigerian Air Force.
According to the Presidency Office of Digital Engagement (PODE), the two helicopters were acquired by the Federal Government on October 20, 2014 and May 21, 2015 respectively.
This is the second handover of aircraft from Presidential Air Fleet to Nigerian Air Force. The first handover was in 2015, shortly after President Muhammad Buhari took over, PODE said on its Twitter handle.
The first handover of Presidential Air Fleet aircraft involved two Helicopters, handed over to Air Force in 2015 to boost operations in the Northeast, it said.
Minister of Defence Mohammed Dan-Ali is Special Guest of Honour at the Handover Ceremony. Chief Host is National Security Adviser Monguno.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief of Air Staff, AVM Abubakar said: “It is with a big sense of appreciation that I accept these helicopters into the Air Force. “One of the helicopters will be configured and deployed as an Air Ambulance, while 2nd will be deployed as a Troop Carrier.
“The two Helicopters will be immediately reconfigured and deployed to the Northeast for the use of Nigerian troops.”
He added: “The Air Ambulance will carry a Trauma Unit,to ensure that injured troops get immediate medical assistance during airlift. These helicopters are some of the most sophisticated, most comfortable and most equipped in the world."
See videos from the hand-over ceremony below;