By Odita Sunday
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inducted five new helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), comprising three Leonardo AW-109 Trekker B and two Airbus H-125 helicopters, in a move aimed at strengthening airpower capabilities and enhancing military operations against security threats across the country.
The induction ceremony, held on Thursday, October 29, 2026, marks another step in the Federal Government’s efforts to modernise the Armed Forces and improve the operational readiness of the NAF.
According to a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the new aircraft will expand the Service’s rotary-wing fleet, improve aircraft availability and provide greater flexibility in supporting military operations nationwide.
The three Leonardo AW-109 Trekker B helicopters are expected to enhance the NAF’s capabilities in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), close air support, armed escort, combat search and rescue, and joint operations in support of ground troops.
The two Airbus H-125 helicopters will provide additional capacity for surveillance, tactical mobility and other operational assignments.
The Air Force said the combined capabilities of the five platforms would improve situational awareness, strengthen responsiveness and enhance air support for troops operating across multiple security theatres.
Beyond the acquisition of new aircraft, the induction highlights the importance of sustained investment in maintenance, logistics, technical expertise and personnel training to ensure that the platforms deliver maximum operational value.
The NAF said it remained focused on translating investments in modern equipment into improved mission effectiveness, 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, other service chiefs, ministers, members of the National Assembly and senior government and military officials.
Their presence underscored the strategic importance of the induction to Nigeria’s national security priorities and the ongoing modernisation of the Armed Forces.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has consistently emphasised the need to translate investments in modern platforms into improved operational outcomes through mission-focused training, effective maintenance and the professional development of personnel.
The Air Force said the deployment of the newly inducted helicopters would strengthen its contribution to protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and supporting ongoing operations to restore peace and security across the country.
About the Author
