The Nigerian Air Force has reactivated its Super Puma helicopter, NAF 565, which had previously been grounded due to unserviceability.
The Service said the development reflects its efforts to strengthen operational capability and sustain airpower in support of national security.
The aircraft was restored through the efforts of retired Air Commodore T.A. Badru, the Air Officer Commanding Mobility Command, and personnel of 205 Rotary Wing.
A statement on Wednesday by the NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the aircraft was reactivated on Tuesday by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke.
Speaking at the event, Aneke said the return of the Super Puma was part of ongoing efforts to restore and maintain key platforms in the Air Force inventory to ensure mission readiness.
“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. Restoring legacy platforms remains central to strengthening national security.
“The Super Puma’s return reflects deliberate efforts to ensure the Air Force remains fully prepared to discharge its constitutional responsibilities and maintain operational superiority across multiple theatres, ” Aneke was quoted as saying.
The Air Chief described the Super Puma as a versatile rotary-wing aircraft used for troop transport, casualty evacuation, search and rescue, and logistics support.
He said the platform had been deployed in Operation Hadin Kai and other joint operations, adding that its return would enhance maritime security in Lagos and support counterinsurgency and anti-banditry efforts nationwide.
Aneke said, “The Super Puma is one of the most versatile rotary-wing platforms in the NAF inventory. The Super Puma is a workhorse whose role is second to none in the Nigerian Air Force. It is important in troop transport, casualty evacuation, search and rescue, and logistics support.
“The platform had proven its worth in Operation Hadin Kai and other joint missions; its return would significantly enhance maritime security operations in Lagos while reinforcing counterinsurgency and anti-banditry efforts nationwide.”
Aneke commended the project consultant, retired Air Commodore T.A. Badru, the Air Officer Commanding Mobility Command, and the personnel of 205 Rotary Wing for their roles in the reactivation.
He urged operators and maintenance crews to adhere strictly to safety and maintenance standards to sustain the aircraft’s serviceability.
He also acknowledged the National Assembly’s role in providing fiscal support for Nigerian Air Force operations.
During a durbar with officers, airmen, and airwomen at Sam Ethnan Air Force Base, the Chief of the Air Staff reviewed his first 100 days in office, citing improvements in aircraft serviceability and operational tempo.
He attributed the gains to improved coordination between logistics and operations and disclosed plans to accelerate the induction of new combat platforms to enhance precision strike capability and deterrence.
On personnel welfare, Aneke said the Nigerian Air Force would prioritise completing ongoing accommodation projects initiated by his predecessor to address housing challenges.
He added that improvements in allowances, medical services, and working conditions would continue in line with the Service’s welfare policy.
He urged personnel to remain disciplined and professional as operations intensify nationwide, reiterating the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to its constitutional responsibilities.
The Super Puma helicopter is a key rotary-wing platform in the Nigerian Air Force, used for troop transport, casualty evacuation, search and rescue, and logistics support, including operations in the North-East.
Its reactivation is part of the Nigerian Air Force’s ongoing efforts to restore critical assets and improve operational readiness amid sustained security operations nationwide.
