Tinubu to Commission Five Air Force Helicopters, New Hangars in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu is expected to strengthen the Nigerian Air Force’s operational capacity with the induction of five helicopters as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to tackle insecurity across the country. The aircraft, comprising two Airbus H-125 helicopters and three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Italy’s Leonardo Helicopters, are scheduled for induction at a ceremony in Abuja on Thursday. The Nigerian Air Force announced the event in a notice shared on its X account, stating that it would also feature the commissioning of newly constructed hangars at the Presidential Air Fleet facility. Tinubu is expected to attend as special guest of honour, while the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, will host the ceremony scheduled for 10am. The acquisition forms part of the government’s military modernisation efforts aimed at improving aviation support for operations against terrorism, kidnapping and banditry. The Air Force had earlier confirmed the delivery of the aircraft, with the three AW-109 helicopters arriving in Lagos on September 15, while the two H-125 aircraft were delivered earlier.
The three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters are part of a larger order of 10 aircraft, with the remaining seven expected to arrive before the end of 2026. According to the Air Force, the helicopters will support intelligence gathering, surveillance, close air support, armed escort and combat search-and-rescue missions. The H-125 aircraft are expected to provide light helicopter support for different operational requirements. Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, had said the new acquisitions would improve aircraft availability and strengthen the service’s response to security threats across multiple operational theatres. The helicopters are also expected to provide additional support to ground troops engaged in military operations against armed groups and criminal networks. The induction comes as the Federal Government continues to pursue measures to modernise military equipment and improve the effectiveness of security operations nationwide. The Air Force has maintained that expanding its fleet would enhance operational flexibility and provide additional aviation support for troops deployed across the country.
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