Tinubu Unveils Five New NAF Helicopters to Strengthen Fight Against Insecurity

Tinubu Unveils Five New NAF Helicopters to Strengthen Fight Against Insecurity

By Christiana Ekpa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned five new helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), in a move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s aerial combat capabilities and improving military operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.

The aircraft, inducted on Thursday, October 29, 2026, comprise three Leonardo AW-109 Trekker B helicopters and two Airbus H-125 helicopters.

According to the Press Statement made available to newsmen in Abuja, by

Ehimen Ejodame Air Commodore Director of Public Relations and Information Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, the new additions are expected to expand the Air Force’s operational fleet, improve mission readiness and enhance its capacity to support troops engaged in security operations across the country.

The three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters are designed to support intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance, close air support, armed escort and combat search-and-rescue missions.

 The two Airbus H-125 helicopters will provide additional capabilities for surveillance, tactical mobility and other operational assignments.

The induction is part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to modernise the Armed Forces and strengthen the country’s response to evolving security challenges.

With the additional platforms, the NAF is expected to improve its ability to monitor operational environments, respond swiftly to emerging threats and provide effective air support to ground troops deployed across multiple theatres of operation.

However, the Air Force’s ability to maximise the benefits of the new aircraft will depend on sustained maintenance, adequate logistics, technical support and continuous personnel training.

The ceremony attracted the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff, other Service Chiefs, ministers, members of the National Assembly and senior government and military officials.

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has repeatedly stressed the need to translate investments in modern military equipment into measurable operational gains through effective maintenance, mission-focused training and professional development.

The latest induction is expected to reinforce the NAF’s contribution to ongoing joint military operations and efforts to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity, restore peace and improve security nationwide.