By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recorded a major operational boost with the successful commissioning of a reactivated Super Puma helicopter, NAF 565, at the 205 Rotary Wing, Ikeja, Lagos, reinforcing the Service’s drive to sustain decisive airpower in defence of Nigeria.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, who commissioned the aircraft on Tuesday, 4 February 2026, described the reactivation as a powerful demonstration of renewed capability, institutional focus and commitment to building a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready Air Force.
In an official signed statement, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the CAS noted that the event went beyond the return of an aircraft to the fleet, symbolising the Service’s unwavering resolve to enhance and sustain operational effectiveness through the restoration of legacy platforms and the strengthening of national security architecture.
“This occasion is not merely about the return of an aircraft to our fleet, but a demonstration of our unwavering commitment to enhance and sustain a highly motivated, professional, and mission-ready force,” the CAS said.
Air Marshal Aneke expressed deep appreciation to President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his steadfast support to airpower development, stressing that the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda continues to yield tangible capability gains for the NAF through strategic acquisitions and the restoration of critical assets.
According to him, the return of the Super Puma helicopter reflects deliberate and sustained efforts to ensure that the Nigerian Air Force remains fully prepared to discharge its constitutional responsibilities and maintain operational superiority across multiple theatres of operation.
Highlighting the operational significance of the platform, the CAS described the Super Puma as one of the most versatile rotary-wing aircraft in the NAF inventory, noting that its multi-role capabilities make it indispensable to modern air operations.
“The Super Puma is a workhorse whose role is second to none in the Nigerian Air Force,” he said, explaining that the aircraft is vital for troop transportation, casualty evacuation, search and rescue missions and logistics support.
He added that the platform has previously demonstrated its value in Operation Hadin Kai and other joint operations, and that its return to service would significantly strengthen maritime security operations in Lagos, while also reinforcing ongoing counterinsurgency and anti-banditry efforts across the country.
The CAS commended all personnel and partners involved in the successful reactivation of the helicopter, particularly the consultant, retired Air Commodore T. A. Badru, the Air Officer Commanding Mobility Command, and the engineers and technicians of 205 Rotary Wing, Ikeja, for their professionalism, technical expertise and resilience.
He charged aircrew and maintenance personnel to uphold the highest standards of safety, professionalism and maintenance culture in operating the aircraft.
“Let it reflect our strong culture of airmanship, maintenance and pride,” he said, stressing that sustained mission readiness is anchored on discipline, accountability and attention to detail.
Air Marshal Aneke also acknowledged the critical fiscal support provided through the National Assembly, describing inter-institutional cooperation as essential to sustaining the momentum of NAF’s operational and modernization efforts.
Earlier, during a durbar with officers, airmen and airwomen of collocated units at Sam Ethnan Air Force Base, Ikeja, the CAS reflected on his first 100 days in office, highlighting measurable improvements in operational tempo and aircraft serviceability across the Service.
He attributed these gains to tighter synchronisation between logistics and operations, as well as deliberate leadership focus on readiness and sustainment.
The CAS further disclosed that the Nigerian Air Force is fast-tracking the induction of advanced combat platforms that would significantly enhance its combat power.
“These state-of-the-art platforms will provide us with unprecedented precision strike capabilities and regional deterrence,” he assured.
Reiterating that personnel welfare remains inseparable from operational effectiveness, Air Marshal Aneke acknowledged that several accommodation projects initiated by his predecessor were at various stages of completion, and pledged to accelerate their delivery to address housing shortfalls affecting personnel.
Guided by the philosophy of “Welfare for Enhanced Warfare,” he assured officers and airmen of continued improvements in allowances, medical support and overall working conditions.
He concluded by urging personnel to remain disciplined, innovative and mission-focused as operations intensify nationwide, reaffirming that the Nigerian Air Force will continue to justify the confidence reposed in it by the Government and people of Nigeria, while sustaining decisive airpower in defence of the nation.
