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Abuja witnessed history as the maiden three-day Nigerian International Airshow brought together the pillars of aviation and aerospace development to engage with their desired audience. Among the standout participants was the Nigeria Police Force Airwing, which showcased its achievements and reaffirmed its role as a critical player in securing the nation’s airspace and supporting economic growth.
The Police Airwing booth became a hub of attention as dignitaries including the Ondo State Governor, the Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, and several other stakeholders and industry leaders visited to commend the unit’s contributions. Their presence underscored the recognition of the Airwing as a vital force in Nigeria’s aviation and security landscape.
Established in 1972, the Police Airwing has evolved from a modest support unit into a formidable operational component. Today, it boasts a fleet of fourteen helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and advanced drones with long-endurance surveillance capabilities.
Over the years, the Airwing has played decisive roles in counter-insurgency operations, including support against Boko Haram and ISWAP, and has been instrumental in rescue missions such as the recovery of the Dapchi schoolgirls, expatriates in Edo State, kidnapped victims in Abuja, and most recently, the rescue of a Chinese citizen in Kwara State.
Its clearance operations across forests in Kogi, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Sokoto have neutralized bandits, destroyed criminal camps, and rescued hundreds of victims, while its drone surveillance team has modernized aerial policing by providing real-time intelligence during elections, counter-terrorism missions, and cross-border surveillance under ECOWAS mandates.
At the Airshow, the Airwing emphasized how its operations serve as a bridge between security and economic growth. By ensuring safer skies, it fosters confidence among airlines, investors, and logistics operators, thereby strengthening trade, tourism, and industrial activities.
Despite challenges such as limited funding, an aging fleet, and infrastructural gaps, the Police Airwing continues to adapt by integrating new technologies and expanding its operational reach.
Its participation in the Nigerian International Airshow not only showcased its achievements but also signaled a renewed commitment to modernizing Nigeria’s airspace security and positioning the country as a hub for aviation excellence in Africa.
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