Abuja: The Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI) says President Bola Tinubu’s administration is modernising Nigeria’s military through combat helicopters and platforms suited to contemporary security challenges.
The think tank disclosed this in a policy statement signed by its Chairman, Dr Omoniyi Akinsiju, on Monday in Abuja.
Akinsiju said the strategy enables precision strikes against terrorist locations while minimising collateral damage, especially in civilian-populated areas of Northern Nigeria.
He said that within the last 30 months, the Tinubu administration had paid for or acquired critical military hardware to strengthen the armed forces’ capacity.
According to him, Nigeria’s rise from fourth to the third most powerful military in Africa occurred during the ongoing Tinubu administration.
“For the record, the rise in Nigeria’s firepower and military ranking was accomplished during the ongoing Tinubu administration,” Akinsiju said.
He noted a shift in the value orientation, capacity and equipment stock across the Army, Navy and Air Force.
Akinsiju described the changes as a deliberate effort to build a dynamic force capable of both asymmetric and conventional warfare.
The think tank said military leadership under Tinubu continued to identify and address structural gaps to build an innovative, technology-driven force.
Akinsiju highlighted renewed emphasis on air attack and precision, reflected in the acquisition of assault and combat helicopters.
He said Nigeria was on track to become the first African country to operate the AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter.
The IMPI chairman said the Nigerian Air Force acquired 12 AH-1Z helicopters from the United States to boost counter-terrorism operations.
He said the platforms would significantly improve combat effectiveness, operational efficiency and mission readiness.
According to him, the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency estimates the total cost of the AH-1Z procurement at $ 997 million.
He said the cost covers helicopters, weapons, spares, training and support, with the first instalment paid in August 2023.
The think tank said the helicopters were initially expected to arrive around 2028.
Akinsiju said a June 2025 Programme Management Review in San Diego aimed to shorten timelines, with possible deliveries in 2026 or 2027.
He described the Nigerian Army’s aviation corps as a potential game-changer against terrorist groups, particularly in the North East.
He said this was reinforced by a 3.2 million dollar investment to build an Army aviation hangar in Minna.
Akinsiju said the hangar would house MD530 Cayuse Warrior helicopters, Bayraktar TB2 drones and Magnus light attack aircraft.
The think tank added that Tinubu approved payment for 12 MD 530F Cayuse attack helicopters in September 2023.
Akinsiju described the acquisitions as part of one of Nigeria’s most substantial defence collaborations with the United States in recent years.
