The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken delivery of five new helicopters as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to modernise the nation’s airpower and enhance military operations against terrorism, kidnapping and banditry.
The newly acquired platforms comprise three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy and two H-125 helicopters produced by Airbus Helicopters.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters arrived in Lagos on September 15, 2026.
The aircraft are part of 10 AW-109 Trekker B helicopters recently acquired by the Federal Government, with the remaining seven expected to be delivered before the end of the year.
The two H-125 helicopters had already been delivered to the Air Force.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, said the arrival of the helicopters would increase aircraft availability and strengthen the NAF’s capacity to provide air support for ongoing military operations.
Aneke said the AW-109 Trekker B helicopters would improve the service’s capabilities in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, close air support, armed escort, combat search and rescue, as well as other joint military operations.
He added that the H-125 helicopters would provide light helicopter support for a range of operational requirements.
“The arrival of these five helicopters provides greater flexibility in the employment of airpower in support of ground troops in ongoing operations,” Aneke said.
The Chief of the Air Staff further stated that the increased rotary-wing capacity would enhance the NAF’s support for joint forces conducting operations against terrorism, kidnapping and banditry across the country.
The newly delivered helicopters are currently undergoing post-delivery assembly, technical checks and crew-readiness processes ahead of their formal induction and deployment for operations.
Aneke also assured that the NAF would prioritise maintenance and logistics support to ensure the new platforms remain operationally available and contribute effectively to ongoing security operations.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.