Terrorism: Tinubu Commissions Five New Helicopters To Boost Air Force Operations

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday, 29 October 2026, officially commissioned five newly acquired helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force inventory to boost its operations.

The five aircraft inducted into the NAF Battle of Air Order at the Presidential Air Fleet hangars comprised two Airbus H-125 helicopters and three Augusta 109 Trekker B helicopters
President Tinubu performed the commissioning alongside the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, and other service chiefs.

The five helicopters were delivered in September 2026.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, was reported to have said that the AW109 Trekker helicopters would enhance intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, close air support, armed reconnaissance and combat search and rescue. In contrast, the H125 helicopters would improve rotary-wing availability and provide commanders with greater flexibility across operational theatres.

“Within the period covered by our one-year assessment, five new helicopters were delivered in September 2026. These comprised three AW109 Trekker helicopters and two H125 helicopters.

“The AW109 Trekker provides enhanced capabilities for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, close air support, armed reconnaissance and combat search and rescue, while the H125 enhances rotary-wing availability and gives commanders greater flexibility across multiple theatres.

“Aircraft availability is continuously monitored because acquisition only creates capability at the Presidential Air Fleet hangars.
When platforms are available, serviceable and supported by trained personnel,” he said.