Tinubu Confirms Military Support from U.S. and Turkey as Nigeria Awaits Attack Helicopters
President Bola Tinubu has disclosed that four attack helicopters ordered from the United States will arrive in Nigeria soon as part of efforts to address the country’s worsening insecurity.
The President made this known on Friday, December 26, during a meeting with a delegation of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, at his Lagos residence. He said the Federal Government had already placed the order for the helicopters but noted that delivery timelines were affecting public perception of the administration’s response to security challenges.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He added that plans for community and state policing were progressing and would be implemented once the National Assembly concludes the necessary legislative processes. According to him, acquiring military hardware is costly and complex, as such equipment is not readily available off the shelf.
Tinubu stressed that despite the guerrilla tactics employed by bandits and insurgents, his administration remains committed to restoring peace and prosperity across the country.
His remarks come amid heightened debate over security cooperation with the United States following President Donald Trump’s announcement on December 25 that US forces had carried out airstrikes on terrorist targets in North-West Nigeria. Trump said the operation, ordered by him as Commander-in-Chief, targeted ISIS militants responsible for killing “innocent Christians.”
The Nigerian Government later confirmed the strikes, describing them as a collaborative effort. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Nigeria remains engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the US, which led to precision airstrikes on terrorist enclaves in the North-West.
