As Nigeria’s fight against insecurity deepens, the Nigerian Air Force has taken delivery of five new helicopters as the Federal Government steps up efforts to modernise the country’s airpower and strengthen operations against terrorism, kidnapping and banditry.
The information was disclosed in a statement made available to newsmen by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
The aircraft comprise three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy and two H-125 helicopters produced by Airbus Helicopters.
The three AW-109 helicopters, which are part of 10 recently acquired by the Federal Government, arrived in Lagos on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
The remaining seven AW-109 helicopters are expected to be delivered before the end of 2026, while the two H-125 aircraft had already been delivered.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the acquisition as a significant step in the Federal Government’s efforts to modernise and re-equip the Nigerian Air Force.
Aneke said the new helicopters would increase aircraft availability and improve the Air Force’s capacity to support ground troops across multiple operational theatres.
“The arrival of these five helicopters provides greater flexibility in the employment of airpower in support of ground troops in ongoing operations,” he said.
According to the Chief of the Air Staff, the three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters will strengthen the NAF’s capabilities in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, close air support, armed escort and combat search and rescue.
He added that the helicopters would also support joint operations involving ground forces.
The two H-125 helicopters, meanwhile, will provide light helicopter support for various operational requirements.
Aneke said the combined capabilities of the platforms would give the Air Force greater flexibility and improve its response to emerging security threats.
The new helicopters are currently undergoing post-delivery assembly ahead of their induction and operational deployment.
The process includes technical checks and crew-readiness activities required before the aircraft enter service.
Aneke said the NAF would focus on ensuring that the new aircraft deliver measurable results in ongoing operations.
“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 said.
The Air Force said the increased rotary-wing capacity would improve support for joint forces fighting terrorism, kidnapping and banditry.
The new platforms are also expected to increase the speed, reach and effectiveness of air support to troops operating on the ground.
