Insecurity: 5 key details regarding Tinubu’s US helicopter deal
Story Highlights
Amid rising tension over national safety, President Bola Tinubu has confirmed the pending arrival of American combat aircraft to boost military strength. From the specific order of four helicopters to the controversial timeline and the renewed push for state police, here are the five essential facts regarding the government’s latest security strategy.
Table of Contents - 1. The American hardware order
- 2. Turning to Turkey for help
- 3. The timeline and public trust
- 4. State police is coming
- 5. The US strike context
- Conclusion
Image credit: Getty Images / Instagram
President Bola Tinubu has formally announced that the Nigerian Air Force will soon receive four attack helicopters from the United States. This significant disclosure came during a high profile meeting on Friday, December 26, 2025, at his private residence in Lagos.
The president spoke directly to a delegation from the Christian Association of Nigeria, led by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, about the government’s efforts to end the current wave of violence. While bandits and insurgents continue to test the nation’s resolve, the administration insists that new hardware and structural changes will restore peace.
1. The American hardware order
The federal government has placed a firm order for four specialized attack helicopters from the United States. President Tinubu revealed this specific detail to show that his administration is actively upgrading the military’s arsenal rather than just making empty promises.
These aircraft are not ordinary transport vehicles but are built for combat to counter the guerrilla tactics used by insurgents. The arrival of these machines aims to give the Nigerian military the upper hand in the ongoing fight against terrorism in the north.
2. Turning to Turkey for help
While the United States remains a key partner, the president admitted that relying on one source is not enough. He disclosed that the government has also approached Turkey for additional military assistance to ensure the armed forces have what they need.
This move diversifies Nigeria’s defense partnerships and reduces the risk of total dependence on American supply chains. It suggests a broader strategy where the government seeks support from any willing global power to secure the nation’s borders.
3. The timeline and public trust
President Tinubu acknowledged that the delay in the arrival of these helicopters has negatively affected how the public views his administration. He explained that military hardware is expensive and not available to buy off the shelf like regular commercial goods.
The president noted that these manufacturing and shipping delays create a gap between government action and public expectation. However, recent events show the US is already active in the region, as seen when Trump confirms US strike in ISIS in Nigeria, proving that military cooperation is ongoing despite the hardware delays.
4. State police is coming
Beyond buying weapons, the president made a strong commitment to structural reform by promising that community and state police will become a reality. He stated that the only hurdle remaining is for the National Assembly to complete the necessary legislative work.
This statement marks a major shift towards decentralizing security and allowing states to manage their own safety challenges. It directly answers the long standing call for local policing to better handle crimes that federal forces often struggle to contain.
5. The US strike context
This announcement follows a period of intense military activity involving American forces on Nigerian soil. Just a day prior, President Donald Trump announced that American forces had struck targets in the North West, killing several terrorists.
The Nigerian government later confirmed these operations were collaborative efforts. However, these foreign interventions have sparked debate, with critics raising concerns about sovereignty, while activists like Sowore slams Tinubu over US military operation in Nigeria, questioning the transparency of such foreign military engagements.
Conclusion
The arrival of these helicopters represents a tangible step in the government’s war against insecurity, yet the delay highlights the complex nature of international defense deals.
As the nation awaits the delivery of this hardware and the legislative approval for state police, the focus remains on whether these measures will finally bring the promised peace and prosperity.
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