President Muhammadu Buhari has inducted three brand new JF-17 Thunder Multi-role fighter aircraft into the inventory of the Nigerian Air Force to combat insurgency, kidnapping, armed banditry and other forms of criminality in the country.
Performing the ceremony at the Nigerian Air Force Based Makurdi to mark the grand finale of its fifty seventh anniversary, President Buhari said deliberate efforts are on to improve the infrastructure and equipment of the Armed Forces and other security agencies to enhance their output, professionalism and service delivery.
Represented by the minister of Defense, Retired Major General Bashir Magashi, President Buhari appreciated the Government of Pakistan for facilitating the acquisition of the air crafts.
He encouraged all law-abiding citizens to continue to stand together, respective of ethnic, tribal, religious or political affiliations, to pursue the greater goal of a secured, united and prosperous Nation.
While handing over the documents of JF-17 Thunder lighter aircrafts, Vice Chief of the Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force, Air Marshal Ali Syed Noman assured of sustain partnership with the Nigerian government in combating insecurity in the region.
Earlier, the Chief of the air staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Amao said the Nigerian Air Force has taken inventory of Twenty six fighter aircrafts in the last six years and is expecting Twenty more from the United States of America in July this year.
He stated that one hundred and Twenty three new pilot officers have been trained to man the equipment in addition to engineers to ensure proper maintenance of the aircrafts for maximum use.
Air officer commanding, Tactical Air command Nigerian Air Force Base Makurdi, Air Marshal Idi Lubo expressed joy for the opportunity to host the NAF day celebration after four years.
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