President Bola Tinubu
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 tackle the country’s worsening security challenges.
The President made the disclosure amid growing concerns over insecurity and insurgency, which have drawn international attention and prompted deeper cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.
Tensions heightened after former U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that American forces had carried out airstrikes in North-West Nigeria, killing several terrorists. Trump said the operation targeted militants responsible for attacks on civilians, particularly 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 on Truth Social.
The Nigerian Government later confirmed the operation, describing it as part of an ongoing collaboration with international partners. In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the strikes were conducted within the framework of bilateral security cooperation.
“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,” the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said.
Speaking on Friday at his Lagos residence during a meeting with a delegation of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President Tinubu provided further insight into the government’s security strategy.
“Our orders for four attack helicopters from the United States of America will take some time to arrive. We have approached Turkey for assistance,” the President said.
Tinubu acknowledged that delays in the delivery of military hardware were affecting public confidence, but stressed that his administration remains fully committed to restoring security across the country.
He also announced that plans for community and state policing are progressing and will soon become a reality once the necessary legislative processes are completed.
“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 said.
Despite the challenges posed by banditry and insurgent groups employing guerrilla tactics, Tinubu maintained that the Federal Government is not relenting in its determination to restore peace, security, and prosperity to the nation.
