President Bola Tinubu has announced that four attack helicopters ordered from the United States will soon arrive in Nigeria as part of efforts to tackle the country’s worsening security challenges.
The president disclosed this on Friday, December 26, during a meeting with a delegation of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by its president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, at his Lagos residence. Tinubu said the Federal Government had already placed orders for the helicopters, noting that while delivery would take some time, they are expected to arrive soon.
“Our orders for four attack helicopters from the United States of America will take some time to arrive. We have also approached Turkey for assistance,” the president said.
He acknowledged that delays in acquiring military hardware have affected public perception of the government’s commitment to addressing insecurity, stressing that such equipment is costly and not readily available.
Tinubu also reaffirmed plans to introduce community and state policing, saying the initiative would take effect once the National Assembly concludes the necessary legislative processes.
“Community and State Police will be 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 added.
The president assured Nigerians that his administration remains determined to restore peace and prosperity, despite the guerrilla tactics employed by bandits and insurgent groups.
His comments come a day after former U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that American forces had carried out airstrikes in North-West Nigeria, killing several terrorists. The Nigerian government later confirmed that the operation was conducted in collaboration with the United States.
Trump said the strikes targeted militants responsible for attacks on civilians, particularly Christians, and were carried out on his directive as Commander-in-Chief.
Reacting through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian government described the operation as part of ongoing security cooperation with international partners.
“Nigerian authorities remain engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America, in addressing the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism,” said the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, adding that the collaboration led to precision airstrikes on terrorist targets in the North-West.
