President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigeria’s armed forces to raise their efforts and bring an end to the multiple security problems troubling the country.
He made this appeal during the official induction of new Augusta A-109 Trekker helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fleet. The event took place on Friday at the Presidential Air Fleet base in Abuja, with Vice President Kashim Shettima representing the President.
The Vice President noted that security remains a top priority for the administration, especially as the country faces threats like terrorism, oil theft, armed banditry, and cross-border crimes. According to him, the new helicopters will improve the Air Force’s ability to quickly respond to threats across various regions of the country.
“A democratically stable Nigeria is fundamental to our national progress and regional peace. The defense of democracy requires a military that is well-prepared, well-trained, and well-equipped,” Tinubu stated.
Shettima pointed out that the arrival of the Augusta helicopters, which came just as the Nigerian Air Force marked its 61st anniversary, shows the government’s clear intent to strengthen the armed forces and maintain national unity.
He added that despite financial challenges, the federal government continues to invest in military hardware and training. He also stressed the importance of working closely with neighboring nations to reduce cross-border crimes and maintain peace in areas like the Lake Chad region.
“The multinational collaboration to bring peace to the Lake Chad region is an example that must be improved upon and replicated wherever necessary,” he added.
The Vice President further noted that global conflicts in places like Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and other parts of Africa are changing global security, and Nigeria must stay alert. He called on the armed forces to be ready not only to protect Nigeria but also to support peacekeeping missions across the region.
Speaking at the same event, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, noted the importance of the new helicopters in improving the Air Force’s readiness.
“From 2024 to date, the Nigerian Air Force has received nine brand-new aircraft, including four C-129 attack helicopters, three King Air 360 aircraft, and the two Augusta 109s Trekker helicopters being inducted today,” he said.
He shared that the Nigerian Air Force is expecting 49 more aircraft over the next two years. These include 10 Augusta 109 Trekkers, 12 AH-1 Zulu Attack Helicopters, 24 M-346 Ground Attack Aircraft, and 3 Kata 295 Medium Airlift Aircraft.
These additions, he explained, will improve the NAF’s ability to launch precise strikes and provide quick air support for ground operations.
Abubakar also noted the steps taken to train eight pilots and 18 engineers and technicians for the Augusta helicopters. He added that more personnel are currently receiving training overseas and will later train others at home to maintain the growing fleet.
On research and development, the Air Marshal spoke about efforts to strengthen technical knowledge within the Air Force. He shared that the NAF has made progress in upgrading older equipment, including rocket systems and aircraft parts.
He also announced that a new committee has been set up to start producing C-57mm rockets locally, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign technology.
Abubakar thanked President Tinubu for his consistent backing of the Nigerian Air Force and expressed appreciation to Italian aircraft maker Leonardo for delivering the helicopters on time.
