JUST IN: PMB hands over 2 presidential aircraft to Air Force
In fulfillment of one of his campaign promises to cut down on expenditure, President Muhammadu Buhari has handed over two aircraft from the presidential fleet to the Nigerian Air Force.
The two helicopters were acquired by the federal government on October 20, 2014 and May 21, 2015 respectively, according to Presidency Office of Digital Engagement (PODE).
The two aircraft being handed over were AgustaWestland AW101 helicopters.
It was gathered that the two aircraft being handed possess Ballistics defence capabilities and are equipped against certain forms of missile attacks.
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.
“We can't wait to fly our new aircraft. That's why we're all dressed in combat gear.”
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 revealed on its Twitter handle.
The PODE also disclosed that the first handover of Presidential Air Fleet aircraft involved two Helicopters, handed over to Air Force in 2015 to boost operations in the Northeast.
The handover ceremony is also coming days after the Presidency decided to sell two planes from the presidential fleet.
President Buhari had criticized the Nigerian Presidential fleet for being too much during campaigns before coming to power after 2015 general elections.
Source: Legit.ng
