FG Seeks U.S.’ Assistance For Nigerian Army Aviation

Defense minister Bashir Magashi has solicited the support of the
U.S. for the Nigerian Army Aviation to become fully
operational.

A statement by Mr. Magashi’s spokesman, Mohammad Abdulkadri, on
Friday said he made the call during a visit of the U.S. Delegation
led by the Commander of the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), General
Stephen Townsend, on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr. Magashi said that a full-fledged Nigerian army aviation was
a critical component in the ongoing counter-terrorism and
counter-insurgency campaigns.

According to him, Nigeria will appreciate the U.S. intervention
to fully establish the Aviation Unit of the Nigerian Army as a
force multiplier in the on-going fight against ISWAP/terrorists in
the country.

The minister thanked the U.S. for its technical and manpower
training support towards enhancing the nation’s capacity and
capabilities to end insecurity bedeviling the country.

He acknowledged the progress recorded in the supply of Super
Tucano aircraft, Thunder Boat for Maritime Operations and logistics
to the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) for enhanced combat
efficiency and effectiveness.

Mr. Magashi also disclosed that the Nigerian military had
adopted international best practices to reduce collateral damage in
the fight against terrorism.

He added that the fighting forces were leveraging low kinetic
modus operandi in the theatres of combat in compliance with the
Rules of Engagements.

Mr. Townsend commended Nigeria for playing a leading role in
Africa Sub regional security matters.

He assured the government that the U.S. would continue to
support the country’s military.

Mr. Townsend also commiserated with Nigeria on the aircraft
mishap that claimed the lives of seven crew members onboard the
plane.

Defense minister Bashir Magashi has solicited the support of the
U.S. for the Nigerian Army Aviation to become fully
operational.

A statement by Mr. Magashi’s spokesman, Mohammad Abdulkadri, on
Friday said he made the call during a visit of the U.S. Delegation
led by the Commander of the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), General
Stephen Townsend, on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr. Magashi said that a full-fledged Nigerian army aviation was
a critical component in the ongoing counter-terrorism and
counter-insurgency campaigns.

According to him, Nigeria will appreciate the U.S. intervention
to fully establish the Aviation Unit of the Nigerian Army as a
force multiplier in the on-going fight against ISWAP/terrorists in
the country.

The minister thanked the U.S. for its technical and manpower
training support towards enhancing the nation’s capacity and
capabilities to end insecurity bedeviling the country.

He acknowledged the progress recorded in the supply of Super
Tucano aircraft, Thunder Boat for Maritime Operations and logistics
to the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) for enhanced combat
efficiency and effectiveness.

Mr. Magashi also disclosed that the Nigerian military had
adopted international best practices to reduce collateral damage in
the fight against terrorism.

He added that the fighting forces were leveraging low kinetic
modus operandi in the theatres of combat in compliance with the
Rules of Engagements.

Mr. Townsend commended Nigeria for playing a leading role in
Africa Sub regional security matters.

He assured the government that the U.S. would continue to
support the country’s military.

Mr. Townsend also commiserated with Nigeria on the aircraft
mishap that claimed the lives of seven crew members onboard the
plane.