Nigerian Airforce has added five new helicopters to its fleet in order to respond to security threats across the country.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Thursday, 29th October, 2026, inducted the new helicopters, which comprised three Leonardo AW-109 Trekker B helicopters and two Airbus H-125 helicopter.
The induction reinforces federal government’s commitment at driving the concept of modernisation and enhancing Nigeria’s airpower capabilities and strengthening national security.
Accordingly, the additional platforms will expand the Service’s rotary-wing fleet, improve asset availability and provide greater flexibility in supporting military operations across the country.
While the three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters will strengthen the NAF’s capabilities in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), close air support, armed escort, combat search and rescue, and other joint operations in support of ground forces, the two H-125 helicopters will provide versatile light-helicopter support for surveillance, tactical mobility and other operational requirements.
Collectively, the platforms will enhance situational awareness, improve responsiveness and strengthen air support to troops operating across multiple theatres.
The Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Nigerian Airforce, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame added that the NAF remains focused on translating these investments into improved mission effectiveness, greater operational readiness and more responsive support to 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 other senior government and military officials, underscoring the strategic importance of the induction to Nigeria’s national security and the ongoing modernisation of the Armed Forces.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has consistently emphasized the importance of translating investments in modern platforms into enhanced operational effectiveness through mission-focused training, effective maintenance and the professional development of personnel.