The Nigerian Army on Thursday took delivery of two new Bell UH1 Helicopters to herald the commencement of its aviation unit and boost the operational capabilities of the army in its counter-insurgency operations.

Speaking while inspecting the two helicopters at the Nigeria Police Air wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja said the journey to realising the dream of army aviation had come to reality with the delivery of the two platforms.

He recalled that the renewed drive to have an aviation wing started in 2014 when the former COAS, retired Lt.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah, established and operationalised the Army aviation coordination office with a 10-year implementation plan segmented into three phases.

“I am glad that, as conceptualised 10 years later, we have today, taken delivery of our first set of platforms.

“The journey, as predicted by the initial dreamers, has not been easy but here we are today by the grace of God, realising our dream.

“We are new to this business, and as newcomers, we must acknowledge our forerunners like the NAF, NN, and the NPF.