By Clement Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday, October 29, 2026, inducted five new helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s airpower capabilities and enhancing military operations against security threats.
The newly inducted aircraft comprise three Leonardo AW-109 Trekker B helicopters and two Airbus H-125 helicopters.
The induction marks another milestone in the Federal Government’s efforts to modernise the Armed Forces and improve the operational capacity of the Nigerian Air Force to respond effectively to evolving security challenges.
According to a statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the acquisition will expand the Service’s rotary-wing fleet, improve aircraft availability and provide greater operational flexibility in military engagements across the country.
Ejodame explained that the three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters would strengthen the NAF’s capabilities in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), close air support, armed escort, combat search and rescue, as well as other joint operations in support of ground troops.
He added that the two Airbus H-125 helicopters would provide versatile light-helicopter support for surveillance, tactical mobility and other operational requirements.
According to him, the combined capabilities of the five aircraft would enhance situational awareness, improve operational responsiveness and strengthen air support for troops deployed across various theatres of operation.
The Air Force spokesman noted that beyond expanding the fleet, the induction underscored the importance of sustained investment in aircraft maintenance, logistics, technical expertise and personnel training to maximise the operational benefits of modern military platforms.
He said the NAF remained committed to translating investments in modern aircraft into improved mission effectiveness, enhanced operational readiness and more responsive support for joint military operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.
The ceremony was attended by the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, ministers, members of the National Assembly and other senior government and military officials, reflecting the strategic importance of the acquisition to Nigeria’s national security architecture.
The statement further noted that the induction represented another step towards building a more capable, responsive and technologically advanced Nigerian Air Force.
It added that the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, had consistently emphasised the need to translate investments in modern military platforms into improved operational effectiveness through mission-focused training, effective maintenance and continuous professional development of personnel.
The NAF expressed confidence that the effective deployment of the newly inducted helicopters would strengthen its contribution to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and supporting ongoing military operations aimed at restoring peace and security across the country.
