𝑵𝒊𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒂 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒔 𝑨𝒊𝒓 𝑷𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓 𝑾𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑭𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝑵𝒆𝒘 𝑯𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒐𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔

Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping has received a major lift as five new combat helicopters joined the Nigerian Air Force fleet.

The new arrivals - three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters built by Italy’s Leonardo and two Airbus H-125s - landed in Lagos on Monday, September 15, with Air Force authorities confirming that two had been delivered earlier.

The five aircraft are part of a larger order of ten, with the remaining helicopters expected before December.

For troops on the frontline, the new addition means faster backup and sharper eyes in the sky.

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, said the helicopters will give the Air Force greater flexibility to respond to distress calls and support ground forces battling insurgents and criminal gangs across the country.

“The arrival of these five helicopters provides greater flexibility in the employment of airpower in support of ground troops in ongoing operations,” Aneke said.

He explained that the three Trekkers will lead the tough jobs - intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance, close air support and rescuing troops under fire. The two H-125s, lighter and quicker, will provide rapid support wherever they are needed.

The Air Chief thanked President Bola Tinubu for backing the modernisation drive, saying the investment is steadily rebuilding the strength the Service needs to confront Nigeria’s security challenges.

For now, the helicopters are being assembled and tested, while pilots and crew undergo final training before deployment.

Aneke said buying aircraft is only half the job. Keeping them flying and making them count is what matters.

“We will continue to prioritise effective employment, maintenance and logistics sustainment so that every aircraft delivered adds measurable value to ongoing operations and the protection of the lives and property of Nigerians,” he assured.

The delivery is part of a broader plan by the Federal Government to build a more agile, responsive Air Force capable of reaching troubled communities faster and giving ground troops the air cover they need to secure the country.

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