Insecurity: Tinubu to boost Air Force with five new helicopters

President Bola Tinubu is set to officially add five helicopters to the Nigerian Air Force on Thursday, as part of an initiative to enhance the country's military capabilities against security risks. The aircraft, which include two Airbus H-125 helicopters and three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters built by Italian manufacturer Leonardo Helicopters, will undergo a ceremonial induction alongside the inauguration of brand-new hangars at the Presidential Air Fleet facility in Abuja.

President Tinubu will serve as the distinguished guest of honor during the 10 am event, while Air Marshal Sunday Aneke will preside over the proceedings as the Chief of the Air Staff.

The Nigerian Air Force announced the induction via a flyer shared on their X account, detailing that the helicopters will bolster the military's capacity to counter various security threats plaguing the nation. The three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters were recently delivered to Lagos on September 15, whereas the two H-125 helicopters had already been transported earlier.

According to the Nigerian Air Force, the newly acquired helicopters are part of a broader order of 10 helicopters, with the remaining seven expected to be delivered by the conclusion of 2026.

The three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters will play an essential role in intelligence gathering, surveillance, close air support, armed escort, and combat search-and-rescue operations. Meanwhile, the H-125 helicopters are anticipated to offer light helicopter support for a wide range of operational demands. The acquisition of these cutting-edge helicopters is a significant step in the Federal Government's ongoing efforts to modernize the Air Force and bolster its support for ground troops combating terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry across Nigeria.