Latest New : Fight against Terrorism Gets Boost as Air Force Resuscitates C-130 Aircraft

A Charlie-130 (C-130) aircraft

Chiemelie Ezeobi

With the toppling of some cities in the North-east region by the Boko Haram sect, the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) on Thursday resuscitated a Charlie-130 (C-130) aircraft to boost the fight against terrorism and bring it an end.

THISDAY gathered that aside from lifting troops in the war against terrorism, the C-130, which is an airlift support aircraft, would be put to good use during the forthcoming elections particularly in lifting electioneering materials to different states.

The aircraft was rehabilitated and re-commissioned after the C-check inspection work by NAF personnel under the leadership of the Chief of Aircraft Engineering, Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Umar, in conjunction with a foreign partner, Sabena Technics of Italy.

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Adesola Amosun, who inaugurated the resuscitated aircraft said the C-130 is a force multiplier, which would assist in moving men and materials to the theatre of war operations.

Amosun, who was represented by the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) NAF Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Olutayo Oguntoyinbo, added that the addition to the NAF fleet would go a long way to assist the force in carrying out its responsibilities.

He said: “The C-130 is a force multiplier because it will do the work of a thousand men. It is a logistics backup aircraft, which will assist in moving men and materials to the theatre of operations.

“Its resuscitation is timely even as we prosecute the ongoing war against insurgency. It would be deployed to join other fleets of the NAF, which currently take off from different points from where we launch to the warfront.

“Already, the J222, Super Poma and so many other airplanes are undergoing maintenance and would be deployed as soon as its done.

“Also, the addition had helped us become ready for next year’s election as we will convey electioneering materials and men for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).”

He said with the maintenance done in-country, capital flight was averted and millions of dollars saved, thereby boosting the use of local resources and creating personnel efficiency and skill development.

Afterwards, Oguntoyinbo, while decorating 20 Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) and ratings, reminded them that they have all sworn an oath to protect the territorial integrity of the nation both internally and externally.

He said: “The war on insurgency is a challenge facing us. Today we see what is happening in our rank and file and they shack their responsibility and it in turn affects our output.

“You have to rethink about things you do which do not only affect you but goes on to affect others. Even in peace, prepare for war. Security challenges are all over the place. Stand up to your responsibilities.

“Don’t let us regret promoting you. Don’t let it be said of you that you are cowards running away from the enemy. Stand up to what you were called to. Stand like an airman.

“The CAS is doing all he can to boost morale by ensuring your welfare, so you must do your part. We swore an oath to defend our fatherland come rain, come shine, in death or in life. As airmen, we will do our best. May God help you all to fulfill your calling.”