President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to tackling insecurity by adding two new Agusta A-109S Trekker helicopters to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fleet. The commissioning ceremony, which took place at the Presidential Air Fleet Apron in Abuja, marked the NAF’s 61st anniversary. Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Tinubu at the event, where the president emphasized the need for a modernized military to effectively address national security issues.
During his speech, Tinubu urged the armed forces to intensify their efforts against insecurity, stressing that a well-equipped and agile air force is essential for maintaining national stability. He also pledged continued investment in defense technology and support for military personnel, aligning with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, the Chief of Air Staff, highlighted that the NAF has added nine new aircraft to its fleet since 2024, including T-129 ATAK helicopters and King Air 360 models. He further revealed plans to acquire 49 additional aircraft by 2027 to strengthen the NAF’s operational capacity.
These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to bolstering Nigeria’s defense capabilities and addressing security challenges both within the country and across the West African region.