The Nigerian Army has established the aviation corps as part of the immediate and long-term measures to effectively flush out Boko Haram terrorists from the North-east and all forms of insecurity in the country.

To this end, the army authorities are concluding plans on how to acquire the desired platforms with consideration for Russian, South African, American and Chinese made aircraft, among others.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, disclosed this wednesday during the 2016 First Quarter COAS Conference in Abuja.

Buratai noted that since the establishment NA Aviation, several efforts had been made to acquire desired platforms.
In this regards, he said: “We have compiled list of platforms from Russian, American and Chinese origin including simulators and UAVs.

He said: “One project that is dear to me is the take off of the Nigerian Army Aviation. All activities towards building the NA Aviation Corps is still in progress. It is hoped that very soon, the NA would be able to acquire its own platforms to enable the corps kick off wholly. So far, the main activities been undertaken are the training of the pilots and technicians and also necessary negotiations towards acquiring the helicopters.

“Emphasis was however on Russian made Mi-17 due to its ruggedness, operability and multi-role capability. As a result, different contractors submitted their proposals for supply which are still being considered. Recently, the NA also considered the South African made Rooivalk attack helicopters after witnessing a demonstration in SA on the capability of the platforms and its employability.

“Additionally, a helicopter operating company called Caverton proposed the supply of three H125 helicopters and maintenance which the NA is also considering presently as an option. As it is now, the NA Aviation might eventually take-off with any platform it can acquire as long as the platform can perform the expected roles. On the whole, there is high hope that the NA Aviation will eventually develop to the desired standard in order to effectively support the NA Operations,” he added.

On the issue of training, Buratai revealed that the trainee pilots comprising of one captain and nine lieutenants were still undergoing flying course at International Helicopter Flying School (IHFS) Enugu. He said the trainees were initially meant to complete the training by December 2015 but could not be achieved due to unforeseen circumstances like weather and other factors.

On the Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency (CT COIN) operations in the North-east, the army chief said the military tremendous progress, adding that Boko Haram has been significantly decimated.

In another development, the military in continuation with its clearance and mop up operations of the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists in various parts of the North-east geo-political zone, have rescued no fewer than 11,595 persons held hostage by the terrorists within the last one month.

The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, in a statement wednesday, said most of these persons were rescued at various areas and towns where the remnants of the terrorists were hibernating before the clearance operations by various formations and units in the theatre of operation.

Usman disclosed that others were also received from the neighbouring Cameroun.

On March 1, 2016, he noted, troops of 155 Task Force Battalion received 10,000 refugees from the Republic of Cameroun at Banki and Bama axis.

He said: “Two days later, Army Headquarters Special Forces (AHQ SF) Battalion also rescued 63 persons held captives by terrorists at Maleri. The same unit on March 5, 2016 rescued 779 persons at Fotokol general area, a border town between Nigeria and Cameroun.

“Within the first week of March 2016, the 254 Task Force Battalion also rescued 45 persons at Kuaguru, while 143 Battalion similarly rescued 27 persons at Gadayamo,15 at Galadadani Dam in Madagali and 10 persons from Disa village. On March 11, 2016 troops of 231 Battalion and Armed Forces Strike Force (AFSF) also rescued seven persons held captives by Boko Haram terrorists at Betso village; five of whom were elderly women and two young girls.”

In the same vein, the DAPR said 117 Task Force Battalion on March 15, 2016, received 14 refugees from Sahuda a border town with Cameroun. The Battalion equally rescued 59 at Bitta general area on March 19, 2016.

Also, he said that troops of 22 Brigade in conjunction with Army Headquarters Strike Group (AHQ SG) rescued 309 hostages from Kala Balge general area on March 23, 2016.

“While on March 30, 2016 troops of 25 Task Force Brigade rescued 45 men, 85 women and 137 children from the Boko Haram terrorists at, Zahdra and Weige villages.

“Thus the total number of persons rescued by the troops during the ongoing clearance operations is 11,595 from February26, 2016 to date,” Usman stated.

He also assured that the military, in the course of its clearance operations, would continue to place high premium on respect for human rights and dignity, hence the rescue operations.

http://ourtimeiscome.com/2016/04/07/nigerian-army-establishes-aviation-corps-to-acquire-platforms-from-russia-safrica-others-soon/

its high time we start developing this things over here

this country dey shame me,we nor even inventors.anyways I wish dem success,but buhari give me fuel heat wan kill me.

A commendable move by the NA. We are moving.

Security should be a top priority and this is absolutely good development, tho for Russia, I don't like them for a penny.... btw I do hope after acquiring this helicopters, comes 2019 election politicians will not use is for campaign purpose...

This is a novel idea! Wish you guys success. I missed life as a young military boy! Adventurous life rocks!

This is thoughtful and a laudable move.
Hoping it'll be sustained

nice move...NA

What will now be the main role of Air force. Army is gradually taking up their role.

alienvirus:
What will now be the main role of Air force. Army is gradually taking up their role.

At all.. Most modern armies do have an aviation wing to support their operations.

Why not Su-24s, PAK FAs, F16s and a few reconnaissance and communications satellite? The aviation corp cannot function well with the kind of outdated gears Buratai is eyeing. The terrorists can easily shoot them down with MANPADs.

maxiflexy:
its high time we start developing this things over here

I dare add, it's high time the partnership with Innosons and Proforce be elevated to a mega level. We need to commit to a project of made in Nigeria hardware. For example if a new company is set up, Innosons and Proforce take up 25% each, government take up 10% and the rest to some foreign investors, I believe in 7-10years we can be rest assured that made-in-Nigeria hardware will come out in commercial quantity

bodyloveghetto:
Security should be a top priority and this is absolutely good development, tho for Russia, I don't like them for a penny.... btw I do hope after acquiring this helicopters, comes 2019 election politicians will not use is for campaign purpose...

How can politician use military hardware for campaign? You think we're still in GEJ's era?

alienvirus:
What will now be the main role of Air force. Army is gradually taking up their role.

Not really, variations like these happens. Even in US, the US Navy have pilots for Jets and Chopters on their Carriers

NaijaTalkTown:
Why not Su-24s, PAK FAs, F16s and a few reconnaissance and communications satellite? The aviation corp cannot function well with the kind of outdated gears Buratai is eyeing. The terrorists can easily shoot them down with MANPADs.

those are jets,the army aviation corp anywhere in the world is made up of mostly,if not just helicopters. Morever NA is just using these as a kickoff.

The airforce does not have decent jets and helicopters let alone a newly formed aviation wing in the (already decayed) Nigerian army?

We have students developing or making drones why can't we use them see ways we could put weapons on those drones now why all this embarrassment asking South Africa for help for god safe.

alienvirus:
What will now be the main role of Air force. Army is gradually taking up their role.

Almost all reputable armies have aviation corp

CEONdc:
those are jets,the army aviation corp anywhere in the world is made up of mostly,if not just helicopters. Morever NA is just using these as a kickoff.

Maybe you don't know this because they get less MSM coverage but Book Haram is as deadly as Daesh. Attack Helicopters cannot penetrate the thick forests along the Nigeria-Cameroon border. And the kind of Attack helicopters needed to fight them will not be sold to Nigeria by either the Chinese, Russians and the Americans. So it is better to build an Air force-like aviation corp first to achieve short-medium term goals. Sending the aviation corp to fight those BH bastards will be very tough. But it is better we have outdated gears than to have none. Besides, the South African's attack helicopter is dependable so I'll give the NA a chance (as if my opinion matters to them ).

j1mmy:
The airforce does not have decent jets and helicopters let alone a newly formed aviation wing in the (already decayed) Nigerian army?

The army will not hold back themselves because the Air force is lagging behind.

Will it kill us if we start manufacturing these things?? Haba

Long overdue.....criously I see no reason why the nigerian government can't invest nd develop our own military hardwares, our head dey reject better tin ni

It seems u know too much on this stuffs, why not forward your proposal to the N. A

NaijaTalkTown:
Why not Su-24s, PAK FAs, F16s and a few reconnaissance and communications satellite? The aviation corp cannot function well with the kind of outdated gears Buratai is eyeing. The terrorists can easily shoot them down with MANPADs.

NaijaTalkTown:
Why not Su-24s, PAK FAs, F16s and a few reconnaissance and communications satellite? The aviation corp cannot function well with the kind of outdated gears Buratai is eyeing. The terrorists can easily shoot them down with MANPADs.

The aircrafts you've mentioned are FIXED WING (fighter jets). Army avaiation around the world only do ROTARY AIRCRAFTS (helicopters) only.

@ OP, I dont think the Rooivalk is a good idea as it will create a logistical nightmare for the military. Why not go for variants of same Mi-35 Hind Attack Helicopter used by the Nigerian Air Force? It combines the role of Attack and Transport very well.

acenazt:
Will it kill us if we start manufacturing these things?? Haba

We cannot just start manufacturing these things. We need to learn and develop the technologies first. And it won't hurt if you start developing those technologies and stop blaming the government for everything. At least Elon Musk and Bill Gates didn't ask government for anything and today, they have what it takes to buy the congress into passing bills that creates better environment for their businesses to thrive.

Belated

alienvirus:
What will now be the main role of Air force. Army is gradually taking up their role.

That wont be the case.

The NA Air arm is meant to provide close support to troops in the fields and maintain pressure on fleeing enemies. A fleeing foe will scatter and this makes it difficult for a jet to achieve high attrition rates. A helicopteron the other hand can stand high off and use its cannons and guns to decimate BH or any other rebel group with devastating effect. The speed of a air force jet makes in inefficient to "loiter, discover and destroy" in the same way that helicopters can. The air force will continue in its air to air and air to ground role but the NA Aviation arm offers ground troops an increased range of options in a battlefield scenario.

This is a sign of good thinking.
"Victory comes from God alone"

NaijaTalkTown:
We cannot just start manufacturing these things. We need to learn and develop the technologies first. And it won't hurt if you start developing those technologies and stop blaming the government for everything. At least Elon Musk and Bill Gates didn't ask government for anything and today, they have what it takes to buy the congress into passing bills that creates better environment for their businesses to thrive.

too bad I am not an engineering student but I will ask my guys to start.

ocelot2006:


The aircrafts you've mentioned are FIXED WING (fighter jets). Army avaiation around the world only do ROTARY AIRCRAFTS (helicopters) only.

@ OP, I dont think the Rooivalk is a good idea as it will create a logistical nightmare for the military. Why not go for variants of same Mi-35 Hind Attack Helicopter used by the Nigerian Air Force? It combines the role of Attack and Transport very well.

I know. I am just saying it may be better if we take a different approach on this one. The corp members can learn sky diving and paratrooping too.