ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to formally induct five newly acquired operational helicopters into the order of battle of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Thursday, October 29, 2026.
The presidential induction ceremony forms part of the Federal Government’s sustained drive to modernise armed forces infrastructure, strengthen tactical air power, and expand intelligence and combat capacity against evolving internal security threats nationwide.
According to official statements issued by NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the incoming batch of aircraft comprises three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy and two H-125 light utility helicopters produced by Airbus Helicopters.
As part of the official program, the President will also commission a newly reconstructed operational hangar constructed to house and service the modern rotary-wing assets.
“The acquisition forms part of the Federal Government’s sustained investment in strengthening the operational capabilities of the service,” Ejodame stated. “The expanded rotary-wing capacity will significantly strengthen support to joint military forces, improving the speed, reach, and decisive effect of tactical air support provided to troops fighting on the ground.”
Air Force officials confirmed that the three AW-109 Trekker B platforms arrived in Lagos on September 15, 2026, as part of an initial tranche under a broader procurement contract covering ten total units, with the remaining seven aircraft expected to be delivered before the close of 2026.
Following the military induction and commissioning ceremony, President Tinubu is slated to immediately depart the capital for Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform the Umrah pilgrimage.
