President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Thursday, October 29, 2026, inducted five new helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), as part of moves to significant boost Nigeria’s airpower capabilities and strengthen national security just as it continues to actively pursue its force modernisation programme.
The five comprise three Leonardo AW-109 Trekker B helicopters and two Airbus H-125 helicopters.
According to a statement by NAF Spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, “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 induction ceremony, held at the local wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, was attended by the National Security Adviser, Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke and other Service Chiefs, Ministers, members of the National Assembly and other senior government and military officials.
The event, the statement noted, “underscores the strategic importance of the induction to Nigeria’s national security and the ongoing modernisation of the Armed Forces.”
It added that “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.”
