Tinubu Inducts Five New Platforms into NAF Order of Battle
Linus Aleke in Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inducted five new platforms into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Order of Battle.
The induction of the new platforms, the Nigerian Air Force said, is part of an effort to strengthen the country’s air power and enhance national security.
The President also inaugurated a newly constructed hangar at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to accommodate the newly inducted platforms.
Tinubu, who arrived at the venue at about 1.52p.m. from Lagos, inaugurated the hangar and inducted the military platforms before proceeding directly to the waiting aircraft for another foreign trip.
The brief but colourful ceremony was attended by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; the Service Chiefs; the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi; and other senior heads of security and intelligence agencies.
The five newly inducted helicopters comprise three Leonardo AW109 Trekker B helicopters and two Airbus H125 helicopters. Their induction is expected to enhance the NAF’s operational capabilities, strengthen its capacity to conduct air operations and support ongoing efforts to combat insurgency, terrorism and other security threats across the country.
The induction highlights the federal government’s commitment to modernising the Armed Forces and equipping them with the necessary platforms to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity and protect its citizens.
With the latest induction, the number of aircraft and helicopters inducted into the NAF under Tinubu’s administration since he assumed office in May 2023 has increased, building on previous efforts to strengthen the service’s operational capabilities.
On 6 December 2023, four Diamond-62 surveillance aircraft were reportedly inducted to enhance the NAF’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
Subsequently, on 6 February 2024, two T-129 ATAK combat helicopters and one Beechcraft King Air 360i aircraft were inducted at the NAF Base in Makurdi, Benue State. The ceremony was presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima on behalf of the President.
On 16 May 2025, two Agusta A109S Trekker Power attack helicopters were inducted into the NAF’s Order of Battle at the Presidential Air Fleet Apron in Abuja, further contributing to the administration’s efforts to strengthen the service’s air capabilities.
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