President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has disclosed that Nigeria is expecting the delivery of four attack helicopters from the United States as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s fight against terrorism and widespread insecurity.
The President made this known during a meeting with leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, at his Lagos residence.
According to Tinubu, the aircraft have already been ordered, although delivery timelines are affected by global supply and procurement challenges.
Nigeria has been grappling with escalating security threats, including insurgency, banditry, and violent extremism, particularly in the North-West.
These challenges have attracted international attention and prompted closer cooperation with foreign partners.
Recently, the United States confirmed that it carried out air strikes targeting terrorist elements operating in North-West Nigeria.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced the operation via his social media platform, stating that the strikes were aimed at extremist groups responsible for attacks on civilians, especially Christian communities.
Nigerian authorities later acknowledged that the operation was conducted in collaboration with the Nigerian government.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, explained that Nigeria continues to engage international allies, including the United States, in structured security partnerships to combat terrorism and violent extremism.
The collaboration, according to the ministry, has resulted in precision air operations against terrorist hideouts.
President Tinubu noted that while the government is awaiting the arrival of the U.S.-supplied helicopters, Nigeria has also sought military assistance from Turkey to bolster its defense capabilities.
He acknowledged that delays in acquiring military equipment have contributed to public concerns about the government’s response to insecurity.
The President also reiterated his administration’s commitment to decentralizing policing.
He assured that community policing and state police structures would be implemented once the National Assembly completes the necessary constitutional and legislative processes.
Tinubu emphasized that modern military hardware is costly and not readily available, but stressed that his administration remains determined to restore peace and stability across the country despite the evolving tactics used by armed groups.
He reaffirmed that security remains a top priority for the federal government, pledging continued efforts to protect lives, rebuild confidence, and return Nigeria to a path of peace and prosperity.
