Four US Attack Helicopters Set To Arrive Nigeria, Tinubu Announces

President Bola Tinubu has announced that Nigeria will receive four attack helicopters from the United States in the near future as the nation grapples with increasing security challenges.

During a Friday, December 26 meeting at his Lagos residence with a Christian Association of Nigeria delegation headed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the President disclosed that the Federal Government has placed an order for the military aircraft from the U.S.

He said: “Our orders for four attack helicopters from the United States of America will take some time to arrive. We have approached Turkey for assistance.”

President Tinubu acknowledged that these procurement delays have impacted how the public views his administration’s dedication to tackling security issues.

The President also indicated that the establishment of community and state police forces is forthcoming.

“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.

He emphasized that despite the unconventional warfare methods employed by bandits and insurgents, the government remains steadfast in its mission to restore peace and prosperity to Nigeria.

This announcement follows an incident on Thursday, December 25, when Trump used Truth Social to reveal that the United States had conducted strikes in North-West Nigeria, resulting in multiple terrorist casualties.

Nigerian authorities subsequently verified the attacks, confirming they were executed jointly with the United States.

Related: Why Trump Ordered A Military Airstrike In Nigeria

Trump stated that he authorized the operation as Commander-in-Chief of the United States, targeting militants who have been killing “innocent Christians.”

“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in North-West Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!” Trump posted.

The Nigerian Government, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, responded to the military action by characterizing it as a collaborative effort.

“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.

“This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North-West,” spokesperson of the Ministry, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said in a statement on Friday.