President Bola Tinubu has formally inducted two new attack helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fleet as part of the government's intensified efforts to address the country's persistent security challenges.
The induction ceremony, which took place in Abuja on Thursday, coincided with the Nigerian Air Force's 61st anniversary celebrations. Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Tinubu at the event and presided over the ceremony that marked the addition of the helicopters—designated NAF544 and NAF545—to the Air Force's arsenal.
The newly inducted Agusta 109 Trekker helicopters are expected to significantly enhance the military's air power capabilities and strengthen its capacity to combat terrorism, banditry, and other security threats plaguing various regions of Nigeria.
Massive Fleet Expansion Underway
During the ceremony, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, revealed the government's ambitious aviation support strategy, announcing that the NAF is set to receive 49 additional aircraft by 2027.
"In line with Mr President's firm commitment towards Nigeria's security, the Nigerian Air Force is poised to receive 49 more aircraft within the next two years. This includes 10 additional Augusta 109 Trekker helicopters, 12 A-1 Zulu attack helicopters, 20 M-346 attack and ground attack aircraft, and three CASA 295 medium airlift aircraft," Air Marshal Abubakar explained.
The Air Chief also noted that from 2024 to date, the Nigerian Air Force has already taken delivery of nine brand new aircraft, including four T-129 attack helicopters, three King Air 360 aircraft, and the two newly inducted Agusta 109 Trekker helicopters.
Strategic Response to Security Threats
The induction of these new helicopters comes at a critical time when Nigeria continues to battle multiple security challenges, including terrorism in the Northeast, banditry in the Northwest and North-central regions, and other forms of insecurity across the country.
Military experts believe that the enhancement of the Air Force's capabilities will significantly improve Nigeria's counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations, potentially turning the tide against armed groups that have long threatened the nation's peace and stability.
The Tinubu administration has consistently emphasized its commitment to addressing security challenges as a prerequisite for economic development and national prosperity. This latest military hardware acquisition demonstrates the government's determination to provide the armed forces with the necessary tools to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities.
