Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
President Bola Tinubu has requested the urgent delivery of three Apache attack helicopters already ordered by Nigeria, saying they are needed to “confront and overwhelm terrorists” as his administration intensifies the fight against insecurity across the country. He made the call on Thursday during a meeting with an Airbus delegation led by Thierry Cloutet, head of regional business growth for Africa and the Middle East, on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda. “Nigeria needs attack helicopters urgently that can be used to confront and overwhelm terrorists. That is my priority now,” Tinubu was quoted as saying in a statement by his special adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu also welcomed a proposal by Airbus to establish aircraft maintenance and hangar facilities in Nigeria, describing it as part of a broader strategy to position Nigeria as a regional aerospace and aviation services hub. He emphasised the urgent need for modern helicopters and fixed‑wing aircraft capable of supporting security operations, logistics and national development priorities. “Nigeria’s security challenges require faster deployment of modern air assets capable of supporting military operations,” the president said, according to the official statement.
Beyond the immediate push for attack helicopters, Tinubu and the Airbus delegation discussed a range of defence and aviation matters. These included Nigeria’s acquisition of the Airbus C‑295 military transport aircraft, broader defence aviation cooperation, and various aircraft leasing and financing models, such as export credit arrangements, sale‑and‑lease‑back structures and long‑term financing solutions. The president also explored the possibility of establishing an aviation leasing company in Nigeria, aimed at unlocking value along the country’s aviation value chain and improving access to finance for domestic operators.
Cloutet, for his part, commended Tinubu’s economic reforms and efforts to stabilise Nigeria’s aviation sector. He reaffirmed Airbus’s interest in supporting the country’s long‑term aerospace development objectives and proposed what he described as a “360‑degree engagement” model with Nigeria. According to Cloutet, the partnership would cover commercial aviation, military aircraft cooperation, human capital development, sustainability initiatives, operational hubs and maintenance infrastructure, as well as collaboration on satellite and Earth observation.
The president’s call for accelerated delivery of attack helicopters comes as Nigerian security forces are engaged in renewed offensives against terrorists in the North‑East, bandits in the North‑West, and criminal gangs involved in kidnapping and attacks in other parts of the country. The Apache helicopter, widely regarded as one of the world’s most effective combat aircraft, is designed for attack missions, reconnaissance and close air support for troops during ground operations. Tinubu stressed that improving Nigeria’s security capacity remains one of the top priorities of his administration, and that the helicopters are urgently needed to support ongoing counter‑terrorism operations.
Tinubu also noted that the proposal from Airbus to establish maintenance facilities in Nigeria aligns with his administration’s policy to modernise the nation’s aviation sector. He said such investments would help strengthen the country’s aviation industry, reduce maintenance costs for local operators and position Nigeria as a major aviation hub in Africa. Nigeria has for years struggled with limited aircraft maintenance facilities, forcing many airlines to take their planes abroad for heavy checks, a situation that increases operational costs and contributes to high airfares.
The meeting in Kigali is the latest in a series of engagements between the Nigerian government and global aerospace manufacturers. In January 2026, Nigeria had announced plans to fast‑track the delivery of 12 attack helicopters from a US company under a separate procurement arrangement valued at approximately $455 million, following approval from the US government in April 2022. The new push for the three Apache helicopters from Airbus reflects the administration’s determination to strengthen military airpower across multiple platforms.
Cloutet, according to the statement, welcomed the Nigerian government’s interest in stronger collaboration and expressed confidence that a comprehensive partnership could unlock significant benefits for both parties. The proposed “360‑degree engagement” framework would not only address immediate security needs but also build long‑term capacity in Nigeria’s aviation sector, from maintenance and training to satellite technology.
Tinubu’s request for accelerated delivery of the Apache helicopters was also echoed in a separate statement by the president’s spokesman on Saturday, confirming that the three helicopters were already ordered and that the president was seeking to speed up their deployment for security operations.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with a complex security environment, characterised by the activities of Boko Haram, ISWAP, armed bandits and other criminal groups, Tinubu’s push for advanced air assets underscores the government’s reliance on air power as a key component of its counter‑insurgency strategy. The Apache helicopters, once delivered, are expected to significantly enhance the Nigerian Air Force’s capability to conduct precision strikes, provide close air support to ground troops and conduct reconnaissance missions in the country’s vast and rugged conflict zones.
The outcome of the discussions with Airbus will be closely watched, as the proposed maintenance hub and aviation leasing company could have far‑reaching implications for Nigeria’s aviation industry, potentially reducing costs, improving safety and positioning the country as a regional hub for aerospace services. Meanwhile, the urgent request for the three Apache helicopters sends a clear signal that the Tinubu administration is determined to deploy all available assets to confront and overwhelm the terrorists threatening the nation’s peace and stability.
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