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President Bola Tinubu has inducted five new helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to strengthen its capacity to support military operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.
The aircraft, inducted on Thursday, October 29, comprise three Leonardo AW-109 Trekker B helicopters and two Airbus H-125 helicopters.
According to a statement by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the new aircraft will expand the service’s rotary-wing fleet and improve its ability to respond to security threats across the country.
PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU INDUCTS FIVE NEW HELICOPTERS TO BOOST NAF OPERATIONAL CAPABILITIES
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Thursday, 29 October 2026, inducted five new helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), comprising three Leonardo AW-109 Trekker B helicopters and two Airbus H-125 helicopters, marking another milestone in the Federal Government’s drive to modernise Nigeria’s airpower capabilities and strengthen national security.
The induction underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing the operational capacity of the NAF to respond effectively to evolving security threats. The additional platforms will expand the Service’s rotary-wing fleet, improve asset availability and provide greater flexibility in supporting military operations across the country.
The three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters will strengthen the NAF’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. Meanwhile, the two H-125 helicopters will provide versatile light-helicopter support for surveillance, tactical mobility and other operational requirements. Collectively, the platforms will enhance situational awareness, improve responsiveness and strengthen air support to troops operating across multiple theatres.
Beyond expanding the fleet, the induction highlights the importance of sustained investment in maintenance, logistics, technical expertise and personnel training to maximise the operational value of modern aircraft. 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 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 and the ongoing modernisation of the Armed Forces.
The induction of the five helicopters represents a further step towards building a more capable, responsive and technologically advanced Nigerian Air Force. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has consistently emphasised the importance of translating investments in modern platforms into enhanced operational effectiveness through mission-focused training, effective maintenance and the professional development of personnel. 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.
Ehimen Ejodame
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information,
Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force.29 October 2026
— Nigerian Air Force (@NigAirForce) October 29, 2026
The three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters will support intelligence gathering, surveillance and reconnaissance, close air support, armed escorts and combat search-and-rescue missions. They will also assist ground troops during joint military operations.
The two Airbus H-125 helicopters will provide light-helicopter support for surveillance, tactical mobility and other operational assignments.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Thursday, 29 October 2026, inducted five new helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), comprising three Leonardo AW-109 Trekker B helicopters and two Airbus H-125 helicopters, marking another milestone in the Federal Government’s drive to modernise Nigeria’s airpower capabilities and strengthen national security.
“The induction underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing the operational capacity of the NAF to respond effectively to evolving security threats. The additional platforms will expand the Service’s rotary-wing fleet, improve asset availability and provide greater flexibility in supporting military operations across the country.
“The three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters will strengthen the NAF’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.
“Meanwhile, the two H-125 helicopters will provide versatile light-helicopter support for surveillance, tactical mobility and other operational requirements. Collectively, the platforms will enhance situational awareness, improve responsiveness and strengthen air support to troops operating across multiple theatres,” the statement read.
The NAF said the additional aircraft would improve situational awareness, increase operational flexibility and enable faster support for troops deployed across different operational theatres.
It added that maximising the benefits of the new platforms would require sustained investment in maintenance, logistics, technical expertise and personnel training.
The service said it remained focused on improving aircraft availability, operational readiness and mission effectiveness in support of ongoing military operations.
“Beyond expanding the fleet, the induction highlights the importance of sustained investment in maintenance, logistics, technical expertise and personnel training to maximise the operational value of modern aircraft.
“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,” it added.
The induction ceremony was attended by the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff, other service chiefs, ministers, members of the National Assembly and senior government and military officials.
The NAF said the acquisition formed part of efforts to modernise the Armed Forces and strengthen the service’s contribution to protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and restoring security across the country.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has emphasised the importance of combining investment in modern aircraft with specialised training, effective maintenance and personnel development to improve operational performance.
