Nigeria has strengthened its defense capacity with the official induction of T129 ATAK attack helicopters purchased from Türkiye. A ceremony was held at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) base in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, where the helicopters were formally commissioned into service. The event was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Defense Minister Badaru Abubakar, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Nigeria Hidayet Bayraktar, Nigerian Army Chief of Staff Taoreed Lagbaja, and other senior officials.

The addition of T129 ATAK helicopters marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s security strategy. These aircraft are expected to play a decisive role in operations against armed groups, including Boko Haram and ISWAP, as well as criminal gangs threatening regional stability. During his speech, Vice President Shettima highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s belief that this new military capability will not only bolster Nigeria’s internal security but also contribute to broader regional stability.

The T129 ATAK, developed by Türkiye, is known for its modern avionics, high maneuverability, and powerful weapon systems, making it a versatile platform for counterterrorism and ground support missions. With these helicopters now active in the field, Nigeria is expected to enhance its ability to conduct rapid and effective responses to security challenges.

This procurement also reflects Türkiye’s growing presence in the global defense industry. Nigeria’s choice of the T129 ATAK underscores the increasing reliability and combat effectiveness of Turkish defense products in international markets.