President Bola Tinubu, on Friday, commissioned two brand-new Agusta 109 Trekker helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fleet, marking a significant enhancement of the country’s aerial combat and surveillance capabilities.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the induction ceremony held at the Presidential Air Fleet Apron in Abuja, Tinubu affirmed his administration’s continued commitment to strengthening national defence infrastructure.

The event formed part of activities commemorating the 61st anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force.

Commending the NAF for its dedication to national security and regional peacekeeping, President Tinubu described the service as a “cynosure of operational excellence” with distinguished contributions in regional missions across The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Mali.

“Today’s ceremony marks another milestone in our resolve to enhance the operational capacity of the Armed Forces, especially the Air Force, in our pursuit of a safer and more secure Nigeria,” he said.

The president noted that the acquisition of the Agusta 109 Trekker helicopters alongside other platforms such as the Diamond DA62 surveillance aircraft, T-129 ATAK helicopters, and King Air 360i reflects his administration’s deliberate efforts to modernise the Armed Forces and prioritise the welfare of personnel.

He reiterated that security remains a cornerstone of his Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Neither economic growth nor social justice can thrive in the absence of security,” Tinubu stressed. “Our Armed Forces must intensify the campaign to eliminate threats to national stability. My administration will remain resolute in investing in modern warfare technology to confront both conventional and asymmetric threats.”

He described the induction not merely as an addition of air assets but as a strategic signal of Nigeria’s defence posture and leadership within Africa.

In his remarks, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, hailed the induction as a critical milestone in the NAF’s fleet modernisation and readiness agenda.

He described the Agusta 109 Trekker as a versatile, light twin-engine helicopter that will bolster the Air Force’s ability to conduct joint operations, reconnaissance missions, close air support, and humanitarian interventions.

“Our dynamic security environment demands a highly agile and capable Air Force,” he said. “This induction significantly enhances our multi-domain operational capacity and mission responsiveness.”

Air Marshal Abubakar expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, members of the National Assembly, cabinet ministers, and Nigeria’s international partners for their steadfast support of the Nigerian Air Force.