President Bola Tinubu has announced that four attack helicopters ordered from the United States will soon be delivered to Nigeria as part of efforts to tackle the country’s growing security challenges.
The President disclosed this on Friday, December 26, while receiving a delegation of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, at his Lagos residence. He said the Federal Government had already placed orders for the helicopters and was awaiting their arrival.
“Our orders for four attack helicopters from the United States of America will take some time to arrive. We have also approached Turkey for support,” Tinubu stated.
He acknowledged that the delay in receiving the military hardware had affected public perception of the administration’s commitment to addressing insecurity. According to him, procuring military equipment is costly and not readily available.
Tinubu also assured that community and state policing would soon be implemented once the National Assembly concludes the necessary legislative processes.
“Community and State Police will become a reality once the National Assembly completes the required legislative inputs. Military hardware is difficult to replace; it is expensive and not available off the shelf,” he said.
The President stressed that his administration remains determined to restore peace and prosperity to the country despite the challenges posed by bandits and insurgents using guerrilla-style tactics.
The announcement comes days after former US President Donald Trump claimed on Truth Social that the United States had carried out airstrikes in North-West Nigeria, resulting in the elimination of several terrorists. The Nigerian government later confirmed that the operation was conducted in collaboration with the US.
Trump said the strikes targeted militants allegedly responsible for attacks on civilians, particularly Christians, and that the operation was ordered by him as Commander-in-Chief.
Reacting to the development, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the joint operation, noting that Nigeria continues to engage in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States, to combat terrorism and violent extremism.
According to the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the collaboration has led to precision airstrikes on terrorist targets in the North-West region.
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