The United States government has commended the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for its strong state of preparedness ahead of the delivery of AH-1Z attack helicopters to Nigeria.

The commendation followed a three-day high-level engagement between a U.S. government delegation from PMA-276, led by Robert Galan, and senior NAF officials in Abuja.

In a statement on Thursday, NAF spokesperson Ehimen Ejodame said the discussions centred on a comprehensive programme and support plan to ensure seamless integration, sustainment, and operational effectiveness of the incoming helicopter fleet.

He said the chief of policy and plans at NAF, Abubakar Abdullah, represented the chief of the air staff (CAS), Sunday Aneke, at the engagement.

Mr Ejodame added that Mr Abdullahi reiterated the NAF’s dedication to aligning all operational, technical, and logistics requirements to ensure the aircraft’s immediate combat readiness upon delivery.

He noted the service has proactively upgraded infrastructure and trained personnel to support the successful induction of the AH-1Z platforms.

According to him, the engagement highlights the growing strength of Nigeria–United States defence cooperation anchored on mutual trust and shared security objectives.

“The U.S. commendation is seen as a boost to the NAF’s ongoing modernisation drive and its efforts to enhance airpower capability in support of national security.

“The collaboration is expected to reinforce Nigeria’s security architecture and contribute to wider national stability,” he said. 

(NAN)