Port Harcourt: Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers has announced the donation of a helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as part of the ongoing efforts to increase Nigeria’s crude oil production. Fubara handed over the refurbished Agusta AW139 helicopter to NAF at its 115 Special Operations Group base in Port Harcourt. He stated that his administration had fully supported President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to boost crude oil production beyond two million barrels per day before December.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the state government has also provided significant logistics to security agencies to safeguard lives, property, and critical oil assets in Rivers. Fubara emphasized that the Agusta AW139 helicopter, which had been out of use for years, is part of his administration’s commitment to supporting NAF’s operations in Rivers and the Niger Delta region. He also highlighted that backing President Tinubu’s efforts to increase crude oil production is beneficial to the state, as increased oil production would generate more revenue for Rivers State.
Fubara added that, in addition to the helicopter, the state government was currently resurfacing the Air Force base runway to facilitate seamless flight operations. He expressed his desire for the administration to be remembered for its serious attention to the security of lives and property. The governor also appealed to the Air Force leadership to deploy the aircraft for surveillance operations, particularly within the state and the wider Niger Delta region.
Receiving the helicopter, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Hassan Abubakar, expressed gratitude to Fubara for collaborating with NAF to enhance security in the state and across the country. He noted that the Air Force had consistently received logistics support from successive administrations in the state, citing the construction of essential infrastructure like perimeter fencing, residential blocks, and a VIP lounge. More recently, Gov. Fubara approved the rehabilitation of the runway and aprons at the 115 Special Operations Group base.
Abubakar emphasized that the helicopter would be deployed for tactical airlift operations, search and rescue missions, and disaster relief efforts. He highlighted the helicopter’s advanced avionics, high-speed capability, and versatility, which would enhance the Air Force’s ability to conduct rapid response missions and humanitarian operations. The addition of this aircraft to the fleet further underscores NAF’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians.
He also disclosed that NAF had initiated comprehensive training programs for Air Force pilots, engineers, and technicians to ensure optimal utilization of its fleet. The Air Force has also begun strengthening its maintenance infrastructure to ensure the sustainability and serviceability of its aircraft. Abubakar reaffirmed NAF’s commitment to collaborating with other security agencies to combat illegal bunkering and all forms of criminal activity. Through enhanced surveillance, precision air strikes, and joint task force engagements, NAF will continue to protect the nation’s vital resources and maritime domain.