After a few promises, the Nigerian Air Force hopes for the US combat helicopter to end the insecurity

The Chief of Air Staff, Marshal Air Hassan Abubakar, has called for the delivery of the accelerated Viper AH-1Z attack helicopter from the United States, emphasizing their urgent role in strengthening Nigeria’s counter-terrorism and internal security operations.

This appeal was made during the high -level program management review meeting held in San Diego, California, from 9 to 13 June 2025. The meeting united senior US government officials and representatives from Bell Textron, combat helicopter producers, to assess progress and improve the time line.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, Air Marshal Abubakar noted that all the steps needed were taken to accelerate the arrival and integration of helicopter.

“We are very grateful to the United States government for its eternal strategic partnership with Nigeria,” Abubakar said. “The acquisition of the AH-1Z Viper helicopter will significantly increase the effectiveness of the Nigerian Air Force combat, operational efficiency, and mission readiness.”

He stressed that each step will be taken to ensure a smooth procurement and spread process, noting that the helicopter, which is famous for their precision strikes, survival, and advanced avionics, will increase Nigeria’s ability to respond quickly and effectively at the critical security theater.

As part of a working visit, Air Marshal Abubakar toured the Pendleton Camp, the US Marine Corps Installation, where he interacted with a senior marine officer and checked the AH-1Z platform operated by the Light Helicopter 367 helicopter helicopter squadron and Sea Flight Logistics Squadron 39.

“This visit has provided a unique opportunity to understand the best practices for operations, sustainability, and logistics support from the AH-1Z platform of the United States Marine Corps,” Abubakar said, stating the belief that the lessons that were picked would positively influence the integration of aircraft into the Nigerian air fleet.

AH-1Z Viper, a twin engine attack helicopter used by the US Marine Corps, is designed to operate in a high threat and provide close air support, making it a strategic asset in Nigeria’s struggle against rebellions and armed bandits.

Steps to get a combat helicopter come to the heel of the unsafe situation that worsened in Nigeria, with bandits, kidnappers and raging militias. Many lives have been lost, the property worth billions has been destroyed and thousands of residents are displaced because of the activities of criminals.

The military and other security institutions in the country over the past few years have made several promises to end the situation of insecurity, but still continue. The leading among such promises is the oath by the Chief of Staff of the State Defense (CDS) General Christopher Musa who vowed to end the criminal activity from the famous bandit Gembong, Bello Turji.

It’s been more than nine months since General Moses vowed to arrest Turji who had killed many Nigerians, and received millions of naira in a ransom, and took him to court. But this has not yet happened, because Turji and the others are still roaming, terrorizing Nigerian citizens.