President Bola Tinubu has pledged his administration’s continued investment in cutting-edge defence technology and commitment to equipping the Nigerian Armed Forces with the resources needed to combat insecurity across the country.
Tinubu made this known on Friday during the induction of two Agusta A-109S Trekker Attack Helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in Abuja.
Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima described the acquisition as a strategic boost to Nigeria’s military capabilities in confronting security threats at home and across the West African sub-region.
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The induction ceremony, held at the Presidential Air Fleet Apron as part of the Nigerian Air Force’s 61st anniversary celebrations, also showcased Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to modernise its military.
The new aircraft join a growing list of recent procurements, including Diamond-62 surveillance aircraft, T-129 ATAK helicopters, and King Air 360i platforms.
“Despite our budgetary constraints amidst the prevailing economic situation, the acquisition of these aircraft, amongst other military equipment, is an expression of our commitment to enhanced national security,” Tinubu said.
“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.”
He expressed confidence that the deployment of the new helicopters would strengthen the Air Force’s combat power in the ongoing war against terrorism, banditry, and other internal security challenges.
“The deployment of these newly acquired platforms will add impetus to the combat power of the Nigerian Air Force in tackling our contemporary security challenges, not only within the shores of our country but also in the West African sub-region,” he stated.
Tinubu tied the government’s military investments to his broader economic goals, noting that national security is key to attracting local and foreign investment.
“It is for this reason that strengthening national security for peace and prosperity is a key priority area in the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he added.
He urged the Air Force to step up efforts in ending Nigeria’s multidimensional security crisis and to maintain high levels of discipline and aircraft maintenance to maximise the benefits of the government’s investment.
However, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, said the induction of the Agusta helicopters reflects the federal government’s commitment to enhancing national security and strengthening military capacity.
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He said the helicopters were specially designed for demanding operations and would support battlefield missions, training, and emergency response.
Abubakar highlighted the need for a well-equipped and agile air force capable of rapid deployment across Nigeria’s diverse terrain.
