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From Molly Kilete, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu yesterday inducted five new helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) inventory to strengthen counterterrorism operations, enhance aerial surveillance and improve military response to banditry, kidnapping and other security threats across the country.
The aircraft comprise three Leonardo AW-109 Trekker B helicopters and two Airbus H-125 helicopters. They are expected to boost intelligence gathering, close air support, combat search and rescue operations, tactical mobility and troop deployment across various theatres of operation.
The induction ceremony, held at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, forms part of the Federal Government’s efforts to modernise Nigeria’s airpower capabilities, expand the Air Force’s rotary-wing fleet and strengthen support for ground troops engaged in ongoing security operations.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, said the additional aircraft would enhance the service’s operational readiness, improve situational awareness and provide greater flexibility in responding to emerging security threats.
According to him, the three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters would strengthen the Air Force’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, close air support, armed escort, combat search and rescue, and other joint operations in support of ground forces.
He explained that the two Airbus H-125 helicopters would provide versatile light-helicopter support for surveillance, tactical mobility and other operational requirements, improving the service’s ability to respond promptly to security situations across the country.
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Aneke said the acquisition would also improve aircraft availability and strengthen the Air Force’s capacity to sustain operations in multiple theatres, particularly in areas affected by terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.
“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,” he said.
The air chief stressed that acquiring modern aircraft must be complemented by sustained investment in maintenance, logistics, technical expertise and personnel training to ensure that the platforms deliver the expected operational benefits.
He noted that the effectiveness of the new helicopters would depend not merely on their acquisition but also on the ability of personnel to deploy, operate and maintain them efficiently under demanding operational conditions.
“The induction of the five helicopters represents a further step towards building a more capable, responsive and technologically advanced Nigerian Air Force,” Aneke stated.
He emphasised the importance of mission-focused training, effective maintenance programmes and the continuous professional development of personnel, describing them as essential to translating investment in modern platforms into improved combat effectiveness.
“Through the effective deployment of these platforms, the NAF will strengthen its contribution to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and supporting ongoing operations to restore peace and security nationwide,” he said.
The ceremony was attended by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; the Chief of Defence Intelligence; the National Security Adviser; ministers; members of the National Assembly; senior military officers; diplomats and other top government officials.
The induction adds to the Air Force’s rotary-wing capabilities as the military continues operations against insurgents, terrorists, bandits and kidnappers in different parts of the country.
