President Tinubu Inducts Five Helicopters into Nigerian Air Force

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inducted five new helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force on October 29, 2026, during a ceremony at the Presidential Air Fleet facility at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The acquisition consists of three Leonardo AW-109 Trekker B helicopters and two Airbus H-125 helicopters.

These aircraft are intended to modernize Nigeria's airpower and enhance capabilities in intelligence gathering, surveillance, close air support, and combat search-and-rescue. The Nigerian Air Force intends to use these assets to combat terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry. The induction is part of a larger federal government order of 10 helicopters, with the remaining seven expected to arrive by the end of 2026.

During the event, hosted by Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, the president also commissioned newly constructed and reconstructed hangars at the Presidential Air Fleet facility to improve aircraft maintenance and operational sustainability. Air Marshal Aneke stated that the new aircraft would improve situational awareness and operational readiness for joint military operations.