President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged the armed forces to intensify efforts in tackling the country’s multifaceted security challenges.
Tinubu who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima made the call yesterday at the induction of two newly acquired Agusta 109 Trekker helicopters held as part of events marking the 61st anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) at the Presidential Air Fleet Apron, Abuja.
According to him, the stability of Nigeria’s democracy, regional peace, and economic growth are closely tied to national security.
He said, “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.
“We also recognise that the security of a nation is intrinsically linked to its economic growth and social stability.
“For our people to engage in meaningful, productive ventures, national security must be strengthened. This is why peace and prosperity are key priority areas in the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Your efforts in wrapping up our onslaught against the enemies of our collective progress are not only critical to our strategic objectives but also vital in restoring the trust and confidence of the people to thrive and prosper.
“You must, therefore, step up and intensify your efforts at conclusively ending the multi-dimensional security challenges facing our dear country.”
Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to investing in the modernization of the military.
He said, “My administration will remain steadfast in modernizing the armed forces, ensuring that you have the best tools to perform your duties effectively. We will continue to invest in cutting-edge defense technologies and provide our military with the resources needed to counter both conventional and asymmetric threats. This investment in air power expands our strategic capabilities and creates an enabling environment for local and foreign investments to thrive.”
He also urged the military to be prepared to address security concerns beyond Nigeria’s borders through participation in peacekeeping missions.
The president inducted the two Agusta A-109S Trekker power attack helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), with a promise that his administration would continue to invest in cutting-edge defence technologies and provide the Nigerian military the resources needed to end insecurity in the country.
He expressed confidence that the deployment of the helicopters would add impetus to the combat power of the nation’s military in the ongoing fight against insecurity in Nigeria and the entire West African region.
According to a statement by the spokesman of the vice president, Stanley Nkwocha, the two new helicopters are the latest in the list of recent military procurements, including Diamond-62 surveillance aircraft, T-129 ATAK helicopters and King Air 360i platforms.
The president assured his administration’s steadfastness in modernising the armed forces by ensuring that they get the best tools to perform their duties effectively.
He said, “We will continue to invest in cutting-edge defence technologies and provide our military with the resources needed to counter both conventional and asymmetric threats.”
The president noted that the purchase of the combat helicopters, as well as others that will be delivered in the coming months, was part of the federal government’s resolve to equip the armed forces to combat the contemporary insecurity challenges and protect Nigerians despite budgetary constraints.
“I am overly confident and rightly so that the deployment of these newly acquired platforms will add impetus to the combat power of the Nigerian Air Force in tackling our contemporary security challenges, not only within the shores of our Country but also in the West African sub-region.
“Despite our budgetary constraints amidst the prevailing economic situation, the acquisition of these aircraft, amongst other military equipment, is an expression of our commitment to enhanced national security.
We shall ensure that every sector of our nation experiences the change that we have promised,” he stated.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, said the induction ceremony of the recently acquired Agusta A-109S Trekker Helicopters is a clear testament to the federal government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the capabilities of the nation’s military.
He described the acquisition of the helicopters as a significant milestone in the Nigerian Air Force’s modernisation efforts.
Highlighting the aircraft’s capabilities, Abubakar said the helicopters were suitable for both military and civil operations.
“They are designed to operate in challenging environments, providing critical support to both military and civil operations, including disaster relief and humanitarian missions.
By inducting this platform, the Nigerian Air Force is strengthening its multi-domain operational capability, making us more responsive and efficient in the protection of Nigeria’s territorial integrity,” he said.
He disclosed that since 2024, the Air Force has taken delivery of nine new aircraft, with 49 more expected over the next two years. These include additional Agusta helicopters, AH-1 Zulu attack helicopters, M-346 light attack aircraft, and C-295 airlift platforms.