President Bola Tinubu has approved the acquisition of additional air assets to reinforce the military’s efforts against insurgency and other security threats across the country.

This was disclosed by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, during a press briefing in Abuja following a closed-door meeting with the President and other defence chiefs. Musa assured Nigerians of the military’s commitment to addressing the recent upsurge in insecurity.

He confirmed that several platforms had already been procured, with more on the way to enhance counter-terrorism operations.

Also on Friday, President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, formally inducted two newly acquired A109S Trekker helicopters (NAF 544 and NAF 545) into the Nigerian Air Force’s Order of Battle. He announced that these were part of a broader procurement that includes Diamond-62 surveillance aircraft, T-129 ATAK helicopters, and King Air 360i aircraft.

In a separate meeting with the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Tinubu reiterated his administration’s zero tolerance for threats against citizens and restated the government’s holistic approach to security—addressing both kinetic and non-kinetic fronts.

Speaking further on the President’s directives, Gen. Musa stated that regional cooperation would be intensified, particularly with Nigeria’s neighbours, to address cross-border threats exacerbated by porous borders. He added that the military’s theatres of operation had been reinforced and that the President had given approval for more air power and wider security support.

Musa attributed the rise in insecurity to an expanding jihadist network in the Sahel, noting the need for robust military preparedness. He also urged Nigerians to continue supporting security forces and to be wary of misinformation, warning against the spread of misleading videos purporting to show attacks within Nigeria.

The President emphasised the importance of military modernisation, declaring that a well-equipped armed force is essential not only for national defence but also for safeguarding democracy and economic progress.

“You may recall,” Tinubu said, “that in my inaugural address, I pledged to prioritise security. Today’s induction is more than symbolic—it reflects our strategic intent to strengthen the Armed Forces and Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa.”

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, described the induction ceremony as a testament to the government’s commitment to strengthening military capability. He noted that since 2024, the Air Force has received nine new aircraft, including four T-129 ATAK helicopters, three King Air 360i aircraft, and the two A109S helicopters inducted on Friday.

He further disclosed that 49 additional aircraft—including more A109S helicopters, AH-1Z attack helicopters, M-346 fighter jets, and CASA–295 airlift aircraft—will be delivered within the next two years. Training for pilots and engineers is already underway both locally and abroad to ensure optimal deployment of these platforms.

Meanwhile, the military has warned against the spread of disinformation and vowed to hold perpetrators accountable. This follows the circulation of a video falsely claimed to depict a recent attack on troops in Marte, Borno State.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, clarified that the video was unrelated to events in Nigeria and reaffirmed the military’s ongoing success in dismantling terrorist networks across all theatres.

Despite economic constraints, the President assured that defence investment would continue, promising better welfare, modern technology, and greater support for troops in the line of duty.