President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigeria’s armed forces to step up their efforts in tackling the nation’s complex security challenges, emphasizing the role of a strong military in protecting both sovereignty and democratic governance.
“A stable and democratic Nigeria is crucial for national development and regional peace,” Tinubu stated, via Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented him at the induction of newly acquired Augusta A-109 Trekker helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) at the Presidential Air Fleet base.
Shettima highlighted that the delivery of the first batch of Augusta 109s coinciding with the NAF’s 61st anniversary underscores the federal government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s defense. The new helicopters will bolster efforts against terrorism, banditry, oil theft, and other security threats.
He called for a responsive and agile Air Force capable of swift deployment, describing the aircraft induction as a strategic boost to Nigeria’s leadership role in regional security.
Despite financial constraints, Shettima reaffirmed the government’s resolve to procure essential military equipment and emphasized the importance of continued regional cooperation, particularly across shared borders.
He cited joint operations in the Lake Chad Basin as a model for future multinational efforts, adding that the armed forces must also be prepared to contribute to international peacekeeping missions.
Expanding NAF’s Operational Strength
Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, lauded the acquisition as a major upgrade to NAF’s capabilities. Since 2024, the Air Force has acquired nine aircraft, including 4 C-129 attack helicopters, 3 King Air 360 aircraft and 2 Augusta 109 Trekker helicopters.
Plans for the next two years include the delivery of 49 more aircraft 10 Augusta 109 Trekkers, 12 AH-1 Zulu attack helicopters, 24 M-346 ground attack aircraft, 3 Kata 295 medium airlift aircraft.
These additions aim to improve precision strike, mobility, and ground support in counterinsurgency operations.
Abubakar also pointed to investments in technical training, with eight pilots and 18 engineers trained for the Augusta 109s, along with ongoing overseas training programs.
Advancing Indigenous Defense Capabilities
The Air Force is also making strides in local innovation, including revalidating Alpha Jet ejection seats, retrofitting 68 mm rockets and developing a pyro cartridge test kit.
A newly formed research committee is now working on the local production of 57 mm rockets, signaling progress toward defense self-sufficiency.
Abubakar expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his consistent support and acknowledged Italian manufacturer Leonardo for the timely delivery of the helicopters. He pledged that the new assets would be fully operationalized and maintained.
“We also honor our predecessors for their vision and enduring guidance,” he added.
