President Bola Tinubu has disclosed that four attack helicopters ordered from the United States will arrive in Nigeria soon, as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to confront rising insecurity and insurgency across the country.
The President made this known on Friday while hosting a delegation of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, at his Lagos residence. Tinubu said although the helicopters had already been ordered, their delivery was taking time, adding that Nigeria had also approached Turkey for additional military support.
“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, noting that delays in procuring military hardware were affecting public perception of the administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity.
Tinubu explained that military equipment is expensive and not readily available, stressing that the government remains resolute despite the guerrilla tactics employed by bandits and insurgents.
The President also reaffirmed plans to introduce community and state policing, saying it would become a reality once the National Assembly concludes the required legislative processes.
“Community and State Police will be a reality once the National Assembly completes the required legislative inputs,” he said.
The comments came against the backdrop of recent United States airstrikes on terrorist targets in North-West Nigeria. The US President Donald Trump had announced on Thursday that US forces carried out “powerful and deadly” strikes against Islamic State militants in the region.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs later confirmed the operation, describing it as part of structured security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States aimed at addressing terrorism and violent extremism. According to the ministry, the collaboration led to precision airstrikes on terrorist enclaves in the North-West.
President Tinubu reiterated that his administration would continue to pursue all necessary measures, including international partnerships and internal reforms, to restore peace and ensure the safety of lives and property across the country.
