President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned five newly acquired helicopters for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to strengthen the military’s operational capabilities in combating terrorism and addressing emerging security threats across the country.
The President performed the ceremony on Thursday at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, shortly before departing for Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform Umrah, the Lesser Hajj.
The newly inducted aircraft comprise two Airbus H-125 helicopters and three Agusta 109 Trekker B helicopters, acquired to enhance the Air Force’s operational readiness and strengthen its capacity to support ongoing security operations nationwide.
President Tinubu also inaugurated the newly constructed Presidential Air Fleet Hangar at the airport, providing additional infrastructure for the maintenance and operational support of aircraft assigned to the Presidential Air Fleet.
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The induction of the helicopters forms part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to modernise military aviation assets, improve aerial surveillance capabilities and reinforce the Armed Forces’ response to terrorism and other security challenges
Speaking on the featured three Leonardo AW-109 Trekker B helicopters and two Airbus H-125 helicopters, the Nigerian Air Force said “the acquisition would expand its rotary-wing fleet, improve aircraft availability and provide greater flexibility in supporting military operations across multiple theatres”.
The service added that the three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters will enhance its Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), close air support, armed escort, combat search and rescue, as well as joint operations in support of ground forces.
NAF further noted that the two Airbus H-125 helicopters, on the other hand, will provide light-helicopter support for surveillance, tactical mobility and other operational requirements.
The NAF noted that the additional platforms would improve situational awareness, strengthen responsiveness and enhance air support for troops engaged in security operations nationwide.
Beyond the acquisition of new aircraft, the Service emphasised the importance of sustained investment in maintenance, logistics, technical expertise and personnel training to ensure optimal performance and operational readiness.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has consistently stressed the need to translate investments in modern platforms into improved mission effectiveness through mission-focused training, efficient maintenance and professional development of personnel.
The ceremony was attended by senior military commanders and top government officials, including the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle; Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke; and National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
Also present were the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oloyede; Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; and Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi.
The acquisition of the additional helicopters is to strengthen the Nigerian Air Force’s aviation fleet, enhance operational flexibility and provide greater support for military operations aimed at safeguarding lives and property across the country.
Following the induction ceremony, President Tinubu departed the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at approximately 2:20 p.m. for Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform Umrah, the Lesser Hajj, during which he will offer prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and continued progress.
The President is scheduled to return to the country next week upon completion of the religious exercise, according to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
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