President Bola Tinubu has disclosed that four attack helicopters ordered from the United States are expected to arrive in Nigeria in the near future.
This development comes amid rising insecurity and insurgency across the country. The worsening security situation has drawn international attention, prompting cooperation with the United States government.
On Thursday, former US President Donald Trump announced via Truth Social that American forces carried out strikes in North-West Nigeria, killing several terrorists. The Nigerian government later confirmed the strikes, noting that they were conducted jointly with the US.
Trump stated that the operation, which targeted militants responsible for the killing of “innocent Christians”, was authorised by him in his role as Commander-in-Chief of the United States.
“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.
The Nigerian Government also responded through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, affirming that the operation was carried out in collaboration with the US.
“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 in a statement on Friday.
Speaking on Friday during a meeting with a delegation of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, at his Lagos residence, Tinubu revealed that the Federal Government had procured four attack helicopters from the US, noting that they would arrive “soon”.
“Our orders for four attack helicopters from the United States of America will take some time to arrive. We have approached Turkey for assistance.
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The President acknowledged that delays in the delivery of military equipment were affecting public perception of the administration’s resolve to tackle insecurity.
He also assured that community and state policing would be implemented.
“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.
Tinubu further stressed that the government remains committed to restoring peace and prosperity, despite the guerrilla tactics employed by bandits and insurgents.