Nigeria: NAF Receives Five New Helicopters to Boost Air Operations Against Extremist Groups

What the report says

The Nigerian Air Force says it has received five new helicopters to strengthen air operations against extremist groups and improve its response to security threats across the country. The delivery was reported in Abuja and comes amid broader efforts by the federal government to modernize Nigeria’s airpower and improve military readiness.

According to a statement quoted by This Day, the aircraft include three AW109 Trekker B helicopters made by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy and two H125 helicopters from Airbus Helicopters. The NAF said the three AW109 aircraft were part of 10 recently acquired by the government and arrived in Lagos on 15 September 2026. The service added that the remaining seven are expected later, while the two H125 helicopters had been delivered earlier.

Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke described the acquisition as an important step in ongoing re-equipment efforts. He said the new platforms should increase aircraft availability and give the air force more flexibility in supporting ground troops in current operations.

The development underscores Nigeria’s continuing investment in military hardware as the country faces armed groups and other security challenges. As reported by the publisher, the air force linked the helicopters to efforts to improve operational reach and responsiveness, while expressing appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for continued support.