Two brand-new Agusta 109 Trekker helicopters have been added to the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) fleet by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The induction ceremony, which took place at the Presidential Air Fleet Apron in Abuja, was a major highlight of events honoring the 61st anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force, according to a statement from Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force.

The Vice President, His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima, on behalf of the President, commended the Nigerian Air Force’s dedication to furthering national security goals and promised sustained federal support for defense modernization.

The President referred to the Air Force as a “cynosure of operational excellence” and a source of pride for Nigeria, highlighting the NAF’s involvement in nations like Mali, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and The Gambia.

“Today’s ceremony marks another milestone in our unwavering commitment to strengthen our Armed Forces, particularly the Air Force, towards a more secure country,” President Tinubu said about the significance of the recently purchased aircraft.

Along with platforms like the Diamond-62 surveillance aircraft, the T-129 ATAK helicopters, and the King Air 360i aircraft, he said this procurement demonstrates their commitment to putting fleet modernization and the well-being of our men and women in uniform first.

He assured the military of ongoing support by the eight priority areas of the Renewed Hope Agenda and reaffirmed that security is still his administration’s top concern.

“In the face of insecurity, neither justice nor economic prosperity can triumph,” the President added. In order to fully defeat the adversaries of our collective advancement and protect our country’s future, the Nigerian Armed Forces must step up their efforts.