Terrorism: FG mounts pressure on Turkiye to deliver platforms procured for NAF

By Linus Aleke, Abuja

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), said that the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar and the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar are currently in Turkiye to facilitate the speedy delivery of the T-129 ATAK helicopters acquired for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) by the Federal Government.

Director of Public Relations and Information Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, made this disclosure in a statement.

Commodore Gabkwet, further revealed that as part of programmes lined up for the visit, the Minister held talks with his Turkish counterpart, Lieutenant General Yasar Guler (Rtd), on critical bilateral and defence cooperation issues.

General Guler, he said, promised his Nigerian counterpart every support required from the Turkish military and defence companies to further strengthen and accelerate the defeat of terrorism and other criminal challenges facing Nigeria.

The Minister and the CAS also visited some selected Turkish companies, including Turkish Aerospace Industries, MKE, Aselsan and Roketsan.

These companies, Gabkwet said, are among highly rated global defence companies renowned for the production of quality defence and military equipment.

“While at these companies, Mr Badaru called for improved synergy between the companies and Nigeria through the transfer of defence technology to Nigeria,” the statement said.

The NAF spokesperson recalled that the Federal Government procured six T-129 ATAK helicopters from the Turkish Aerospace Industry, out of which two are to be delivered to the NAF in the coming weeks.

The remaining helicopters, he concluded are expected before the end of the Second Quarter of 2024.