President Bola Tinubu has announced that Nigeria is expecting the imminent arrival of four attack helicopters from the United States. This move is part of the Federal Government's intensified efforts to combat the rising wave of insecurity across the nation.
Helicopters and International Partnerships
Speaking at a meeting with a delegation from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, at his Lagos residence on Friday, December 26, Tinubu provided the update. He confirmed that the government had placed an order for the military hardware with the US.
"Our orders for four attack helicopters from the United States of America will take some time to arrive," the President stated. He further revealed that due to anticipated delays, Nigeria has also sought assistance from Turkey to bolster its security apparatus.
President Tinubu acknowledged that such delays in acquiring critical military assets can affect public perception of the administration's resolve. "Military hardware is difficult to replace. It is expensive and not available off the shelf," he explained, emphasizing the complexities involved in defense procurement.
Path to Community Policing and Ongoing Efforts
In his address, the President also made a significant commitment to decentralizing security architecture. He assured that the establishment of community and state police will become a reality once the National Assembly completes the necessary legislative framework.
Despite the guerrilla tactics employed by bandits and insurgents, Tinubu asserted that the government remains relentless. The overarching goal, he stressed, is to restore peace and prosperity to the country.
Context of US-Nigeria Collaboration
This announcement follows a major development earlier in the week. On Thursday, December 25, former US President Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, claiming responsibility for a US military strike in North-West Nigeria.
Trump stated that the operation, which he ordered as Commander-in-Chief, targeted ISIS-affiliated militants responsible for killing "innocent Christians." He described it as a "powerful and deadly strike."
The Nigerian government later confirmed the airstrikes. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, clarified on Friday, December 26, that the operation was a product of collaboration.
"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," the ministry's statement read. It confirmed that this cooperation led to "precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North-West."
The convergence of these events highlights a multi-faceted approach to Nigeria's security challenges, involving both the acquisition of new military assets and strengthened international tactical partnerships.
