President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inducted five new helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to boost military operations and strengthen Nigeria’s response to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.
The newly inducted aircraft comprise three Leonardo AW-109 Trekker B helicopters and two Airbus H-125 helicopters. The AW-109 helicopters will support intelligence gathering, surveillance, close air support and combat search-and-rescue missions, while the H-125 helicopters will provide surveillance and tactical mobility.
The Federal Government said the additional aircraft would expand the Air Force’s rotary-wing fleet, improve operational readiness and enhance support for troops deployed across different parts of the country.
The ceremony was attended by the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff, other service chiefs, ministers, National Assembly members and senior government and military officials.
The Air Force said personnel training, maintenance and logistics would remain essential to maximising the helicopters’ operational value.