Tinubu Inducts Five New NAF Helicopters To Strengthen Fight Against Insecurity
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inducted five newly acquired helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s airpower capabilities and enhance military operations against security threats.
The induction ceremony, held on Thursday, October 29, 2026, featured three Leonardo AW-109 Trekker B helicopters and two Airbus H-125 helicopters.
The Federal Government said the acquisition would boost the operational capacity of the NAF, expand its rotary-wing fleet and improve its ability to respond to emerging security challenges across the country.
The three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters are expected to enhance the Air Force’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), close air support, armed escort, combat search and rescue, as well as joint operations in support of ground troops.
The two Airbus H-125 helicopters will provide additional capabilities for surveillance, tactical mobility and other operational assignments.
According to the NAF, the new platforms will improve situational awareness, increase aircraft availability and strengthen air support for troops deployed across different operational theatres.
The Service also emphasised the importance of effective maintenance, logistics, technical expertise and personnel training in ensuring the helicopters deliver maximum operational value.
The induction is expected to strengthen the Air Force’s contribution to ongoing military operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.
The ceremony attracted the National Security Adviser, Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, ministers, members of the National Assembly and other senior government and military officials.
Speaking on the significance of the development, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, reiterated the importance of converting investments in modern aircraft into improved operational effectiveness through professional training, maintenance and personnel development.
He said the NAF would continue to deploy its resources towards safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and supporting ongoing efforts to restore peace and security nationwide.
