By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Thursday, October 29, 2026, joined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs and other top government officials at the induction of five new helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), marking another step in the ongoing expansion and modernisation of the country’s military air fleet.
The newly inducted platforms comprise three Leonardo AW-109 Trekker B and two Airbus H-125 helicopters, which are expected to strengthen the Nigerian Air Force’s operational capabilities and enhance the capacity of the Armed Forces to respond to emerging security threats.
The acquisition is part of the Federal Government’s efforts to modernise the military’s equipment and improve airpower capabilities in support of ongoing security operations across the country.
The helicopters are designed to enhance Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), tactical mobility, close air support and combat search and rescue operations, while providing improved aerial support for ground troops deployed across various operational theatres.
Their induction is also expected to reinforce joint military operations by improving coordination between the Nigerian Army and the Air Force, particularly in the delivery of air support during counterterrorism and other internal security operations.
The participation of Lieutenant General Shaibu in the ceremony alongside the President, the Chief of Defence Staff and other Service Chiefs highlights the importance of inter-service cooperation in strengthening the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces.
With the addition of the five helicopters, the Nigerian Air Force is expected to have enhanced capacity to support ground operations, improve situational awareness and sustain military engagements against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.
