President Bola Tinubu has disclosed that the Federal Government has placed orders for four attack helicopters from the United States, which are expected to arrive “soon,” as part of efforts to tackle Nigeria’s persistent security challenges.
Speaking on Friday at his Lagos residence during a meeting with a delegation of the Christian Association of Nigeria, led by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, Tinubu said the government had also approached Turkey for additional assistance.
“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 receiving the military equipment were affecting public perception of the administration’s commitment to addressing insecurity.
He further revealed that the establishment of community and state police forces is set to become a reality once the National Assembly completes the necessary legislative processes.
“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.
The President reiterated that the government remains resolute in restoring peace and stability to the nation despite ongoing attacks from bandits and insurgents.
The announcement comes amid heightened insecurity and insurgency across the country, which has attracted international attention.
In a related development, the United States carried out a strike in North-West Nigeria targeting militants responsible for attacks on civilians, which the Nigerian government confirmed was conducted in collaboration with the US.
“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!” U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the strike as part of structured security cooperation with international partners.
“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,” spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa said in a statement on Friday.
