President Bola Tinubu has announced that four attack helicopters will soon be delivered to Nigeria from the United States amid escalating security challenges. Speaking at his Lagos residence on Friday, December 26, during a meeting with a delegation from the Christian Association of Nigeria led by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, Tinubu said the Federal Government had placed orders for the helicopters and expects their arrival “soon.” He added that Nigeria had also sought assistance from Turkey.
“Our orders for four attack helicopters from the United States of America will take some time to arrive. We have approached Turkey for assistance,” he said, noting that delays were affecting public perception of the government’s commitment to addressing insecurity.
The President also highlighted that community and state policing initiatives are underway. “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 said.He emphasised that the government remains determined to restore peace and stability despite the ongoing guerrilla tactics of bandits and insurgents.
The announcement comes a day after former US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that the United States had carried out a strike in northwest Nigeria, targeting militants allegedly responsible for the killing of innocent Christians. The Nigerian government later confirmed the attacks, noting that they were conducted in coordination with US forces. According to Trump, the operation was authorised in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the United States.
