Tinubu: Nigeria Ready To Acquire More Aircraft, Equipment To Combat Insecurity

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has disclosed that his administration readiness to purchase more state-of-the-art aircraft and equipment to combat the insecurity ravaging the country.

Also, he expressed his administration’s unwavering commitment to prioritising national security and the welfare of the Armed Forces. While speaking yesterday at the Ceremonial Parade to Commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in Kaduna, the President hailed the NAF’s six decades of service, sacrifice and patriotism.

The President, who was represented by his vice, Kashim Shettima, stated that he was standing with the Armed Forces through challenges, triumphs and grief, not as repayment but as an assurance of the nation’s unwavering support.

He said, “I bear with me today the gratitude of a nation that has watched your transformation into a formidable and resilient organisation, vigilant of the dynamics and complexities of security threats within and outside our borders for this long."

The President also expressed his administration’s commitment to prioritising security, noting that development cannot be guaranteed without a secure nation.

He said, “In my inaugural address a year ago, I noted that security would be the top priority of my administration because we can never guarantee the development we have proposed unless each part of this great nation is secure. This is why we have continued to support the modernisation efforts of our Armed Forces to address national and sub-regional security challenges."

In expressing commitment to tackle national and sub-regional security challenges, President Tinubu revealed his administration’s substantial investments in procuring state-of-the-art multi-role combat aircraft, attack helicopters, sensors and equipment to enhance the NAF’s capabilities.

He said, “These acquisitions, including Beechcraft King Air 360 aircraft, Diamond 62 surveillance aircraft, T-129 ATAK helicopters, Agusta 109 trekker multi-role helicopter, and M-346 attack aircraft, aim to boost the nation’s combat and airlift capabilities."

Similarly, President Tinubu paid tribute to the surviving members of the first set of pioneer NAF personnel, veterans and fallen comrades, acknowledging their bravery, commitment and service to the nation.

Aligning with the event’s theme, ‘Nigerian Air Force at 60: Leveraging Strategic Partnerships in Aerospace Innovations for Regional Security’, the President expressed thanks to the participation of various partners and air forces from around the world, particularly from Africa. He explained the need for collaboration and developing partnerships with friends and allies to collectively address shared threats in the sub-region and beyond.