By Muhammad Mamman
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reactivated a Super Puma helicopter in a move aimed at reinforcing the country’s maritime security and intensifying counter-insurgency operations nationwide.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, said the return of the aircraft to active service would significantly enhance the Air Force’s operational reach, particularly in coastal surveillance, internal security missions and rapid response deployments.
Speaking during the reactivation ceremony, Aneke described the development as part of broader efforts to rebuild and expand NAF’s air assets through in-country maintenance and refurbishment, reducing dependence on foreign facilities while saving critical resources.
“This achievement underscores our commitment to sustaining operational readiness and strengthening national security,” he said, adding that the Super Puma’s multi-role capability makes it vital for troop movement, logistics support, search-and-rescue missions and intelligence-led operations.
The helicopter is expected to play a key role in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain, which has faced persistent challenges including piracy, crude oil theft and illegal activities, while also supporting ongoing military campaigns against armed groups in various parts of the country.
Air Marshal Aneke praised NAF engineers and technical personnel for restoring the aircraft, noting that their expertise reflects growing local capacity within the service.
The reactivation comes as Nigeria continues to ramp up security measures amid efforts to stabilise troubled regions and protect critical national infrastructure.
