The Nigerian Army Headquarters says it has concluded arrangements for the establishment of a $3.2 million Army aviation hanger at the recently commissioned Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna, the Niger State capital.
The Coordinator of Nigerian Army Aviation, Brigadier General Musa Alkali, who made this known when he visited Governor Umar Bago, said the project will be financed by the Pan-African Business Forum as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility.
He explained that the airport passed all checklists for the creation of the hanger, and the approval of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Aviation.
Brigadier General Alkali further explained that the Minna hanger, when completed, will have 12 attack helicopters of the MD530 series, 10 TB2 unmanned aerial vehicles, UAVs, and 8 Magnus light attack aircraft for surveillance, reconnaissance and patrol and other activities that may be used by all stationed in Minna, adding that with the creation of the hanger in Minna, the delay associated with the maintenance of aircraft will be eliminated, and owners of private jets could park them in Minna at a minimum cost.
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He also disclosed plans for the establishment of a 601 Special Forces Aviation Battalion, comprising 800 battle-ready soldiers to complement the security architecture of the state and the battle force multiplier in Minna, adding that the Special Force would cover the whole state, and project force and operations to other theatres of operations, due to its strategically central location in the country.
Governor Umar Bago said the creation of the hanger in Minna would improve the economy of the state and boost the confidence of investors.
He commended the Coordinator of the Nigerian Army Aviation for what he described as positive thinking.
Governor Bago promised to provide accommodation for the soldiers, an official residence for the coordinator, a utility vehicle, and other necessary forms of support.
(Editor: Oloyede Oworu)
