Army Aviation Is Critical In War Against Terrorist – Defence Minister

The Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi has said that a full-fledged Nigerian Army Aviation is a critical component in the fight against terrorism and insurgent in the country.

The General said this when the Commander U.S Africa Command, General Stephen Townshend and his team paid him a courtesy call at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.

He added that Nigeria will appreciate the US intervention to fully establish the Aviation Unit of the Nigerian Army as a Force Multiplier in the on-going fight against terrorists in the country.

The Minister of Defence, on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari, Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, thanked the United States of America for its technical and manpower training support in enhancing the country’s capacity and capabilities to end the challenges of insecurity in the country.

Magashi recalled specific instances of US strategic support to the Nigerian Military, mentioning progress recorded in the supply of Super Tucano Aircraft, Thunder Boat for Maritime Operations and logistics to the Multinational Joint Task Force, MNJTF to enhance combat efficiency and effectiveness.

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Addressing the issues of human rights, he told the delegations of the US Africom which included AS Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, Foreign Policy Adviser, Russel Schiebbel and US Defence Adviser to Nigeria, Colonel Andrew Clerk that the Nigerian Military is adopting the international best practices to reduce collateral damages in the fight against terrorism.

For instance, he cited the Fighting Forces leveraging low kinetic modus operandi in the theatre of combat, which he said is in compliance with the Rule of Engagements.

Commander US AFRICOM, General Stephen Townshend, praised the leading role Nigeria is playing in Africa sub-regional security matters and assured the government of the US support all times.

The visiting general commiserated with Nigeria over the aircraft mishap that claimed the lives of seven crew members onboard the plane.

The courtesy call earlier began with a closed-door session between the Defence Minister and the Commander US AFRICOM, General Stephen Townshend.