President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Friday, officially inducted two new Agusta 109 Trekker helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fleet. The induction ceremony, held at the Presidential Air Fleet Apron in Abuja, marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to modernise its military and enhance air power.
This development is part of a series of events celebrating the 61st anniversary of the NAF. In his address, President Tinubu commended the Air Force for its consistent contributions to national security and regional peacekeeping efforts. He cited the NAF’s successful engagements in countries such as The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Mali, hailing the service as a symbol of operational excellence and national pride.
“Today’s event is a testament to our unwavering commitment to strengthening our Armed Forces, especially the Air Force, in our quest for a more secure Nigeria,” Tinubu stated. He noted that the new helicopters complement recent acquisitions including the Diamond-62 surveillance aircraft, the T-129 ATAK helicopters, and the King Air 360i, all part of broader fleet modernisation efforts.
The president reaffirmed that security remains a top priority for his administration, in alignment with the eight focus areas of the Renewed Hope Agenda. “There can be no economic prosperity or justice in an atmosphere of insecurity. Our military must intensify efforts to eliminate the threats to our national peace and ensure the safety of our future,” he emphasized.
He further pledged continued investments in advanced military technologies and the welfare of personnel to tackle both conventional and asymmetric threats facing the country.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, in his welcome speech, described the induction as a critical step in enhancing the NAF’s operational readiness. He said the Agusta 109 Trekker, a light twin-engine multi-role helicopter, will play a vital role in joint operations, reconnaissance missions, close air support, and humanitarian tasks.
“Our evolving security environment requires a responsive and technologically advanced Air Force,” Abubakar stated. “The Agusta 109 Trekker enhances our multi-domain capabilities and ensures swift and efficient mission delivery.”
The CAS also extended gratitude to President Tinubu, members of the National Assembly, government ministers, and international partners for their continued support toward the advancement of the Nigerian Air Force.
