By Nkechi Eze
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inducted five new helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fleet to strengthen operational capabilities, enhance airpower and improve support for ongoing military operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats across the country.
According to an official statement signed by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, the induction took place on Thursday, October 29, 2026, and featured three Leonardo AW-109 Trekker B helicopters and two Airbus H-125 helicopters.
The statement described the induction as another milestone in the Federal Government’s drive to modernise Nigeria’s airpower capabilities and strengthen national security.
It noted that the additional aircraft would expand the NAF’s rotary-wing fleet, improve asset availability and provide greater flexibility in supporting military operations across the country.
According to the statement, the three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters would strengthen the Air Force’s capabilities in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), close air support, armed escort, combat search and rescue, and other joint operations in support of ground forces.
The two Airbus H-125 helicopters, it added, would provide versatile light-helicopter support for surveillance, tactical mobility and other operational requirements.
The statement explained that the new platforms would collectively enhance situational awareness, improve responsiveness and strengthen air support for troops operating across multiple theatres.
It further stressed that maximising the operational value of the aircraft would require sustained investment in maintenance, logistics, technical expertise and personnel training.
“The NAF remains focused on translating these investments into improved mission effectiveness, greater operational readiness and more responsive support to joint military operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats,” the statement said.
The ceremony was attended by the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff, other Service Chiefs, ministers, members of the National Assembly and other senior government and military officials, underscoring the strategic importance of the induction to Nigeria’s national security.
The statement also noted that the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, had consistently emphasised the importance of translating investments in modern aircraft into enhanced operational effectiveness through mission-focused training, effective maintenance and the professional development of personnel.
It added that the effective deployment of the newly inducted helicopters would strengthen the NAF’s contribution to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and supporting ongoing operations to restore peace and security nationwide.
