The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified efforts to fast-track the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters, as top NAF officers held high-level talks with senior United States Government officials and representatives of Messrs Bell Textron.
Naijaonpoint reports that the engagement took place during a Programme Management Review meeting led by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, from January 5 to 6, 2026, in San Diego, California, United States.
A statement issued on Thursday, January 8, by the NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the meeting was aimed at reviewing the current status of the helicopter acquisition programme and identifying measures to ensure the timely delivery of the platforms.
According to Ejodame, Air Marshal Aneke said the review was designed to strengthen programme oversight, accountability, and strict adherence to agreed timelines and budget.
“In a strategic move to enhance the operational capacity of the Nigerian Air Force, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, led a Programme Management Review meeting with senior United States Government officials and representatives of Messrs Bell Textron from 5 to 6 January 2026 in San Diego, California, USA,” the statement read.
“The engagement focused on fast-tracking the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters, a critical capability enhancement aligned with the CAS’s Command Philosophy of building and sustaining a highly motivated, professional, and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower effects in synergy with surface forces for the attainment of national security objectives.”
Aneke expressed appreciation to the United States Government and Bell Textron for their continued cooperation, professionalism, and transparency in the execution of the programme.
He said the structured review underscored the NAF’s deliberate emphasis on discipline, accountability, and results.
“We deeply value the professionalism and openness demonstrated throughout this process, and we remain fully committed to working closely with our partners to ensure the timely and successful delivery of these platforms,” the CAS said.
The Air Chief noted that the acquisition of the AH-1Z helicopters goes beyond a routine platform upgrade, describing it as a symbol of the enduring defence relationship between Nigeria and the United States.
According to him, the programme reflects a shared responsibility for regional and global security, anchored on mutual trust, shared values, and a common vision for peace and stability.
“This partnership speaks to our collective resolve to confront evolving security challenges through collaboration and sustained capability development,” Aneke added.
Reaffirming the NAF’s sense of urgency, the CAS assured the US team that his administration would take all necessary steps to ensure the helicopters are delivered in the shortest possible time.
He also charged the programme management team to work proactively to ensure production is completed on schedule and within budget.
“Timelines and standards must be met concurrently. We must remain focused, innovative, and solutions-driven,” he stressed.
Tinubu’s Support Acknowledged
Aneke expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his unwavering support of the Nigerian Air Force.
He said the acquisition of the AH-1Z helicopters would significantly boost the NAF’s combat capability, operational efficiency, and mission readiness, enhancing its ability to deliver decisive airpower in support of national security and stability.
The CAS added that the advanced capabilities of the helicopters would enable the NAF to carry out highly precise operations, reduce collateral damage, and provide timely support to ground troops.
According to him, this would help save lives and protect property in communities affected by terrorism and other criminal activities.
He further reassured Nigerians of the Air Force’s commitment to tackling terrorist and criminal threats with professionalism, restraint, and accountability, while sustaining public trust and confidence.
Naijaonpoint reports that Nigeria’s request to purchase 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters was approved by the United States Government in April 2022, when the U.S. State Department, through the Defence Security Cooperation Agency, cleared a possible Foreign Military Sale of the aircraft and related equipment.
According to Military Africa, the formal production and delivery contract for the helicopters, valued at $455 million, was awarded to Bell Textron by the U.S. Department of Defence on March 12, 2024.