Insecurity: Tinubu to Boost Air Force with Five New Helicopters

President Bola Tinubu is expected to induct five new helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fleet on Thursday as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to improve the military’s capacity to tackle insecurity across Nigeria.

The aircraft comprise two Airbus H-125 helicopters and three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Italy’s Leonardo Helicopters.

According to reports by PUNCH and Channels Television on Thursday, October 29, 2026, the induction ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. at the newly reconstructed hangar at the Presidential Air Fleet facility near the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

Tinubu is expected to attend as the special guest of honour, while the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, will host the event. The ceremony will also feature the commissioning of the newly reconstructed hangar.

The five helicopters have already been delivered to Nigeria as part of the government’s efforts to modernise the Air Force and improve its operational readiness.

The three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters arrived in Lagos on September 15, while the two H-125 aircraft had been delivered earlier.

The three AW-109 helicopters form part of a larger government acquisition of 10 aircraft of the type, with the remaining seven expected to arrive before the end of 2026.

The Nigerian Air Force said the AW-109 helicopters would strengthen its intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. They are also expected to support close air support, armed escort, combat search-and-rescue missions and joint operations with ground forces.

The two H-125 helicopters will provide light helicopter support for various operational requirements.

Chief of the Air Staff Aneke has described the acquisition as part of the government’s continued investment in modernising and re-equipping the Air Force. He said the additional aircraft would improve asset availability and enhance the service’s ability to respond to security threats across multiple operational theatres.

The new platforms are expected to support military operations against terrorism, kidnapping and banditry by improving the speed, reach and flexibility of air support for troops on the ground.

However, their operational impact will depend on effective deployment, maintenance, logistics and crew readiness.

The planned induction marks another step in the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s airpower and improve coordination between air and ground forces in the fight against insecurity.