The Nigerian Air Force has finalized arrangements for the procurements of 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters,from Bell Textron, a company in the United States.

This is even as President Donald Trump has warned that the United States could launch additional military strikes in Nigeria if attacks on Christians persist.

Trump issued the warning during an interview with The New York Times (NYT), where he was asked whether the Christmas Day missile strikes against the Islamic State terror group signalled the start of a wider military campaign.

In response, Trump indicated that further action could be taken : “I’d love to make it a one-time strike,” he said. “But if they continue to kill Christians it will be a many-time strike.”

According to NAF spokesperson Ehimen Ejodame, the Programme Management Review meeting for the procurements, led by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, took place from January 5 to 6, 2026, in San Diego, California.

He said that the engagement focused on assessing the status of the helicopter acquisition programme, addressing logistical challenges, and ensuring timely delivery within agreed timelines and budget.

“In a strategic move to enhance operational capacity, the meeting was aimed at fast-tracking the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z helicopters, aligned with the CAS’s philosophy of building a highly motivated, professional, and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower effects in synergy with ground forces,” the statement said.

Aneke expressed appreciation to the United States Government and Bell Textron for their professionalism and transparency, describing the programme as more than a platform upgrade.

“This acquisition reflects the enduring defence cooperation between Nigeria and the United States and underscores our shared responsibility for regional and global security,” said Aneke.

The CAS assured that the NAF would take all necessary measures to ensure the helicopters’ delivery in the shortest possible time, while emphasising that the programme management team must remain innovative, solutions-driven, and focused on meeting both timelines and operational standards.

Officers of have met with senior officials and representatives of to fast-track the acquisition of a critical capability

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consoled with Ms Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, and the entire family on the passing of their son, Nkanu Nnamdi.

President Tinubu said , “As a parent myself who has suffered the loss of a loved one, no grief is as devastating as losing a child.

I empathise with the family at this difficult time, and I mourn this sad loss with them.

Ms Adichie is a literary icon who has brought joy and light to many homes globally, and I pray she and her family find strength in the Almighty in this trying hour.My prayers are with the family.”

Urges Deeper Local Investments

President Bola Tinubu has commended corporate Nigeria, investors, and stakeholders in the capital market for propelling the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) beyond the historic ₦100 trillion market capitalisation threshold.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the achievement as a “new economic reality and rejuvenation,” signalling strong investor confidence in Nigeria’s reforming economy.

“With the Nigerian Exchange crossing the historic N100 trillion mark, the country is witnessing the birth of a new economic reality,” President Tinubu said. He highlighted the NGX All-Share Index’s impressive 51.19% return in 2025 — outperforming the previous year’s 37.65% and ranking among the world’s top performers — even as many global markets faced stagnation.

The President noted year-to-date gains surpassing benchmarks like the S&P 500 and FTSE 100, positioning Nigeria as an attractive investment destination rather than a overlooked frontier market.

He praised resilient performances across sectors, from industrial giants localising supply chains to innovative banks, and anticipated further growth with upcoming listings in energy, tech, telecoms, and infrastructure.

President Tinubu linked the stock market’s success to broader reforms yielding macroeconomic stability. Inflation has declined for eight consecutive months, dropping from a peak of 34.8% in December 2024 to 14.45% in November 2025, with forecasts suggesting 12% in 2026 and potentially single digits by year-end.

Nigeria recorded a $16 billion current account surplus in 2024, projected to rise to $18.81 billion in 2026, driven by surging non-oil exports (up 48% to ₦9.2 trillion in Q3 2025) and manufacturing growth. Foreign reserves have exceeded $45 billion, with the naira stabilising and projections to surpass $50 billion in early 2026.

Infrastructure advances, including rail expansions, major highways like Lagos-Calabar and Sokoto-Badagry, and port revitalisation, were also highlighted, alongside improvements in healthcare, education loans via NELFUND, and research funding.

Urging Nigerians to invest more domestically, President Tinubu assured that “2026 will yield even greater returns” as reforms mature. He pledged continued efforts toward a transparent, egalitarian, high-growth economy, bolstered by tax and fiscal changes effective January 1, 2026.

“Nation-building is a process requiring hard work and focus. This ₦100 trillion milestone signals to the world that Nigeria’s economy is robust and productive,” he concluded.