At the induction ceremony for newly acquired Augusta A-109 Trekker helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Tinubu stressed that a strong, well-equipped military is essential to safeguarding democracy and national progress.
“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,” he said.
Represented by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima at the event held at the Presidential Air Fleet in on Friday, the president highlighted that democracy depends on a prepared and capable military.
Shettima praised the induction of the Augusta 109 helicopters, coinciding with the NAF’s 61st anniversary, as proof of the government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s defense forces.
He said the new helicopters would play a critical role in fighting terrorism, banditry, oil theft, and other security threats.
“The dynamic security landscape of our nation demands an agile, well-equipped, and responsive Air Force capable of rapid deployment across multiple theatres. This induction is not just about adding new helicopters to our fleet; it is a strategic statement of intent—a demonstration of our collective resolve to strengthen our armed forces, defend our nation, and reinforce Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa,” Shettima said.
Despite budget challenges, the Vice President said the government is committed to providing the military with modern equipment and urged stronger cooperation with neighboring countries to fight cross-border crimes.
He pointed to joint efforts in the Lake Chad region as an example to follow.
“The multinational collaboration to bring peace to the Lake Chad region is an example that must be improved upon and replicated wherever necessary.”
“The Nigerian Armed Forces must be ready not only to handle domestic security but also to take part in regional and international peacekeeping efforts that promote stability and collective security,” Shettima added.
Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Bala Hasan Abubakar, welcomed the arrival of the new helicopters, noting that since 2024, the NAF has received nine new aircraft, including attack and surveillance helicopters.
“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.
In the next two years, an additional 49 aircraft including attack helicopters, ground attack jets, and airlift planes are expected to join the fleet.
These include:
10 Augusta 109 Trekkers
12 AH-1 Zulu Attack Helicopters
24 M-346 Ground Attack Aircraft
3 Kata 295 Medium Airlift Aircraft
Abubakar also highlighted ongoing efforts to boost technical skills within the NAF, with pilots, engineers, and ground crew training both locally and abroad.
“Air and ground crew are currently undergoing specialized training abroad and will, in turn, train more personnel locally to sustain capacity development,” he said.
He mentioned the Air Force’s growing focus on research and development, with recent advances like retrofitting rockets and plans for local rocket ammunition production.
Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu and Leonardo of Italy, manufacturer of the Augusta helicopters, Abubakar promised the new equipment would be fully deployed and maintained to strengthen national security.
“Our gratitude also goes to our revered predecessors—former Chiefs of Defense Staff and Chiefs of their staff—whose guidance and dedication continue to inspire us,” he added.
