NAF Returns Super Puma Helicopter to Service as Air Chief Pushes for Higher Operational Readiness

By Zainab Uzomah

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has restored one of its key multi-role helicopters to full operational status, in what officials describe as a major lift to the country’s airpower. The Super Puma aircraft, NAF 565, was unveiled at 205 Rotary Wing in Lagos on Tuesday after months of reactivation work.

In a statement signed by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, said the aircraft’s return signals a renewed push to sharpen the force’s combat readiness. He called the development “a powerful demonstration of our unwavering commitment to field a professional, motivated and mission-ready Air Force,” adding that recovering legacy platforms remains central to tightening national security.

Air Marshal Aneke credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as consistent backing for airpower development. He said the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda is translating into visible capability gains, from new acquisitions to the revival of grounded assets. “This return reinforces our preparedness to sustain operational superiority across multiple theatres,” he said.

The Super Puma, widely regarded within the force as one of its most versatile aircraft, will return to roles ranging from troop lift and casualty evacuation to search-and-rescue, maritime security and logistics support. The helicopter has been deployed in Operation Hadin Kai and other joint missions, and officials say its reinstatement will strengthen air operations in Lagos and boost counterinsurgency and anti-banditry efforts nationwide.

The Air Chief praised retired Air Commodore T.A. Badru, technicians of 205 Rotary Wing and the Mobility Command for what he called exceptional professionalism during the restoration process. He urged personnel to maintain strict airworthiness and safety standards. “Let it reflect our culture of airmanship, maintenance and pride,” he told operators, stressing that discipline remains the backbone of mission readiness. He also acknowledged the National Assembly’s financial support to ongoing modernisation efforts.

Addressing personnel at Sam Ethnan Air Force Base, the CAS reflected on his first 100 days in office, pointing to higher aircraft serviceability and tighter alignment between logistics and operations. He revealed that the NAF is fast-tracking the induction of advanced combat platforms that will deliver “unprecedented precision strike capabilities and regional deterrence.”

Aneke said welfare would remain inseparable from combat efficiency. While acknowledging ongoing accommodation projects initiated by his predecessor, he pledged to speed up their completion and improve allowances, medical care and working conditions under the principle of “Welfare for Enhanced Warfare.”

He urged personnel to stay disciplined and innovative as nationwide operations intensify, insisting the Nigerian Air Force would continue to justify the trust placed in it by the government and citizens.