President Bola Tinubu has officially introduced two new Agusta A-109S Trekker Power Attack Helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force. At the ceremony in Abuja, he promised that his government will keep investing in the latest defence technology to help the military fight insecurity in Nigeria.
He expressed confidence that these helicopters will strengthen the military’s ability to fight insecurity not just within Nigeria but also across the West African region.
Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Tinubu at the event, which was part of the Nigerian Air Force’s 61st anniversary celebrations held at the Presidential Air Fleet Apron in Abuja.
The newly added helicopters are part of several recent military purchases, which also include Diamond-62 surveillance aircraft, T-129 ATAK helicopters, and King Air 360i planes.
President Tinubu assured that his administration remains committed to modernizing the Armed Forces by providing them with the best tools to perform their duties effectively.
He emphasized that Nigeria will continue investing in advanced defence technologies to counter all types of security threats, whether traditional or new.
Despite the country’s financial challenges, the President said the government is determined to provide the military with necessary equipment to protect Nigerians and combat current security issues.
Tinubu expressed great confidence that the deployment of these helicopters will boost the Nigerian Air Force’s combat power and help address security problems not only within Nigeria but across the West African sub-region.
He stated that this investment reflects the government’s commitment to improved national security and delivering positive changes to every part of the country.
The President also highlighted that strengthening security fits into his broader vision of building a strong economy where local and foreign investments can thrive.
He stressed that peace and security are essential for Nigerians to participate in meaningful and productive activities.
Tinubu urged the military to increase their efforts in ending the multi-dimensional security challenges facing the country. He also called for discipline and a strong maintenance culture to make sure the country gets the best from these new assets.
In his welcome speech, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, said the introduction of the new helicopters shows the government’s strong commitment to improving the military’s capabilities.
