By Our Correspondent Reportcircle News
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Tuesday recorded a major operational breakthrough with the return to active service of its Super Puma helicopter, NAF 565, a development that sharply boosts rotary-wing capability and signals an aggressive push to deepen airpower readiness across the country.
The reactivated aircraft was formally commissioned at 205 Rotary Wing, Ikeja, Lagos, where the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, declared that the event marked more than the revival of a grounded platform, it represented a renewed institutional resolve to sustain mission-ready airpower in defence of Nigeria.
“This is not just the return of an aircraft,” the CAS said. “It is a statement of intent our commitment to a highly motivated, professional and combat-ready Air Force.”
Air Marshal Aneke attributed the Super Puma’s return to strong political will and sustained funding support from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda is steadily translating into measurable gains for the Air Force.
According to him, the deliberate restoration of legacy platforms, alongside new acquisitions, is central to maintaining operational superiority in an increasingly complex security environment.
“The reactivation of this helicopter underscores our readiness to discharge our constitutional responsibilities across all theatres of operation,” he said.
A Workhorse Returns to the Fight
The CAS described the Super Puma as one of the most versatile and dependable rotary-wing assets in the NAF inventory, stressing that its absence had been keenly felt.
From troop lift and casualty evacuation to search-and-rescue and logistics support, the aircraft has played a decisive role in past operations, including Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East.
With Lagos as its base, the aircraft is also expected to strengthen maritime security in Nigeria’s economic nerve centre, while reinforcing counterinsurgency and anti-banditry operations nationwide.
“The Super Puma is a workhorse,” Aneke said. “Its role in our operations is second to none.”
The CAS commended the technical teams and leadership behind the successful reactivation, singling out retired Air Commodore T.A. Badru, the Air Officer Commanding Mobility Command, and the engineers and technicians of 205 Rotary Wing for what he described as professionalism, resilience and technical excellence.
He charged pilots and engineers assigned to the aircraft to uphold strict safety and maintenance discipline, warning that operational success depends as much on culture as on hardware.
“Let this aircraft reflect our pride, our airmanship and our maintenance ethos,” he said.
He also acknowledged the National Assembly’s support, describing legislative backing as critical to sustaining operational momentum.
Addressing officers, airmen and airwomen during a durbar at Sam Ethnan Air Force Base, Air Marshal Aneke reviewed his first 100 days in office, pointing to improved aircraft serviceability and tighter coordination between logistics and operations.
He disclosed that the NAF is accelerating the induction of advanced combat platforms, promising that the new assets would deliver precision strike capabilities and enhanced regional deterrence.
“These platforms will redefine our operational reach,” he assured.
Welfare as a Force Multiplier
Beyond hardware, the CAS emphasized that personnel welfare remains inseparable from combat effectiveness.
While noting that several accommodation projects were initiated by his predecessor, he pledged to fast-track their completion to reduce housing deficits across bases.
He also reaffirmed commitments to improved allowances, medical care and working conditions under the guiding philosophy of “Welfare for Enhanced Warfare.”
As operations intensify nationwide, Air Marshal Aneke urged NAF personnel to remain disciplined, innovative and mission-focused, assuring Nigerians that the Air Force would continue to justify the confidence placed in it by the government and the people.
With the Super Puma back in the air, the message from Ikeja was unmistakable: Nigeria’s airpower engine is revving up again.
