President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigeria’s armed forces to bolster their operational readiness in response to escalating internal and regional security threats, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to military modernization. Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 61st anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in Abuja, Tinubu emphasized the vital role of security in sustaining democracy, national stability, and economic growth. He warned that evolving threats—ranging from terrorism and banditry to transnational crimes—demand a proactive and technologically advanced military.
The ceremony featured the commissioning of two Agusta 109 Trekker helicopters, newly acquired to enhance Nigeria’s aerial surveillance, reconnaissance, and rapid response capabilities. Tinubu described the aircraft as a strategic asset under his Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes upgrading military infrastructure and investing in defense technologies.
The president also highlighted the strategic importance of air power in maintaining internal peace, protecting national assets, and fostering a secure climate for foreign and local investment. He further urged the armed forces to remain prepared for international peacekeeping missions, noting Nigeria’s longstanding role in African and global stability efforts. Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, Chief of the Air Staff, lauded the acquisition as a major milestone in NAF’s modernization drive and reiterated the service’s commitment to defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
The event underscored Nigeria’s efforts to position its military as a modern, agile force capable of confronting 21st-century security challenges both at home and abroad.
