President Bola Tinubu has announced a significant step in bolstering Nigeria's military capabilities, confirming that his administration has placed an order for four attack helicopters from the United States. The President made this revelation during a crucial meeting with the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Friday, December 26.
Military Hardware and International Partnerships
The meeting, which took place at the President's residence in Lagos, saw Tinubu outline his government's multi-pronged approach to tackling the nation's security challenges. President Tinubu explicitly stated, "Our orders for four attack helicopters from the United States of America will take some time to arrive." He acknowledged the public frustration caused by delays in procuring such equipment but explained the complexities involved.
"Military hardware is difficult to replace. It is expensive and not available off the shelf. The challenge is real, but we will surmount it," the President told the delegation led by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh. In addition to the US deal, Tinubu disclosed that Nigeria has "approached Turkey for assistance" to further enhance the country's security capacity.
A New Policing Model and Call for Vigilance
Beyond hardware acquisition, President Tinubu identified structural reform as a cornerstone of his security strategy. He reiterated his administration's firm commitment to establishing state and community policing frameworks. "Community and State Police will be a reality once the National Assembly completes the required legislative inputs," he assured.
Tinubu appealed directly to the religious leaders for their support and active cooperation, framing them as essential partners in maintaining national peace. "We are prayer warriors. We need your focus, vigilance and cooperation," he told the CAN leaders. He also addressed the recent abduction and release of schoolchildren in Niger and Kebbi states, urging a focus on positive outcomes. "The rhetoric on how the children were released or what happened to the kidnappers is secondary; the end justifies the means," the President remarked.
CAN's Pledge and Direct Requests
In response, Archbishop Daniel Okoh offered the Church's full support to the Tinubu administration, describing the level of engagement as unprecedented. "You are our President. The Church has no choice but to support you and your administration," Okoh stated. He praised the President's resolve in facing the nation's daunting security and economic hurdles.
While pledging cooperation, the CAN leadership presented specific requests to the Presidency. Archbishop Okoh appealed for direct engagement between the Presidency and CAN structures across all 774 local government areas in Nigeria. Furthermore, he requested the timely release of funds to the Christian Pilgrims' Board to enable it to function effectively.
The high-level delegation included notable figures such as the Vice President of CAN, Rev. Dr Stephen Panya Baba; the President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Francis Wale Oke; and representatives from major Christian blocs including the Catholic, Methodist, and Organisation of African Instituted Churches.
