President Bola Tinubu is expected to induct five new helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force fleet on Thursday as part of efforts to strengthen military operations against terrorism, kidnapping and banditry.

The aircraft comprise two Airbus H-125 helicopters and three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Italian aviation company, Leonardo Helicopters.

The Nigerian Air Force announced the induction ceremony in a flyer shared on its official X account, adding that the event would also feature the commissioning of newly constructed hangars at the Presidential Air Fleet facility in Abuja.

Tinubu is expected to attend the ceremony as the special guest of honour, while the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, will host the event scheduled for 10 a.m.

The Federal Government had earlier taken delivery of the five helicopters as part of efforts to modernise the Air Force and enhance its operational capacity.

According to the Air Force, the three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters arrived in Lagos on September 15, while the two H-125 helicopters had been delivered earlier.

The three AW-109 aircraft are part of a larger order of 10 helicopters, with the remaining seven expected to arrive before the end of 2026.

The Chief of the Air Staff had said the new aircraft would improve the availability of air assets and strengthen the military’s ability to respond to security threats across multiple operational theatres.

The AW-109 Trekker B helicopters are designed to support intelligence gathering, surveillance, close air support, armed escort and combat search-and-rescue operations.

The H-125 helicopters, on the other hand, are expected to provide light helicopter support for various operational requirements.

The acquisition forms part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to modernise the Nigerian Air Force, enhance aerial capabilities and provide stronger support for ground troops combating insecurity across the country.