President Bola Tinubu on Friday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ending insecurity in Nigeria through continued investment in advanced military technology and equipment. Speaking during the induction of two Agusta A-109S Trekker attack helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fleet in Abuja, the President vowed to bolster the Armed Forces with the resources required to combat both conventional and asymmetric threats.
The event, held at the Presidential Air Fleet Apron as part of activities marking the 61st Anniversary of the NAF, saw Tinubu represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
“We will continue to invest in cutting-edge defence technologies and provide our military with the resources needed to counter both conventional and asymmetric threats,” Tinubu declared.
The newly inducted helicopters, he said, are part of an ongoing modernisation drive that has also seen the acquisition of Diamond-62 surveillance aircraft, T-129 ATAK helicopters, and King Air 360i platforms.
Boosting Combat Power Across Nigeria and West Africa
President Tinubu expressed confidence that the deployment of the helicopters will enhance Nigeria’s combat capabilities in tackling rising security challenges, not only within the country but across the West African sub-region.
“Despite our budgetary constraints amidst the prevailing economic situation, the acquisition of these aircraft, among other military equipment, is an expression of our commitment to enhanced national security,” he said.
He reiterated that equipping the military is a central pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda, as national security remains a prerequisite for sustainable economic growth and investor confidence.
Discipline and Maintenance Culture
The President urged the NAF to embrace discipline and a robust maintenance culture to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of the newly acquired platforms.
“You must step up and intensify your efforts at conclusively ending the multi-dimensional security challenges facing our dear country,” he said.
Air Force Chief: Government is Resolute
In his remarks, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, praised the government for its consistent support, calling the helicopter acquisition a “significant feat” in the NAF’s modernisation drive.
He noted that the A-109S Trekker helicopters are specially designed for versatile operations ranging from combat missions to emergency response, and feature advanced cockpits ideal for pilot training and battlefield efficiency.
“Our dynamic security landscape demands a responsive, agile, and well-equipped Air Force capable of rapid deployments across multiple theatres,” Abubakar said.
The CAS added that the new platforms will strengthen the NAF’s ability to fight terrorism, banditry, oil theft, and other national security threats, highlighting the service’s evolving role in both domestic and regional security.
