ABUJA — The Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, on Thursday joined top government and military officials at the official induction ceremony of two newly acquired Agusta 109 Trekker helicopters into the operational fleet of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
The landmark ceremony, held at the Presidential Air Fleet Apron, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, was presided over by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima, who described the event as a critical step in bolstering Nigeria’s air mobility and national security capabilities.
The new aircraft, procured as part of efforts to modernise the NAF’s aerial assets, are expected to enhance the Force’s surveillance, search and rescue, and tactical support operations across the country — especially in the face of growing security and humanitarian challenges.
In her remarks, NEMA’s DG, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, hailed the acquisition as a strategic addition not just to Nigeria’s military arsenal, but also to the nation’s emergency response framework. She emphasised the importance of inter-agency collaboration in disaster management and expressed confidence that the helicopters would significantly improve joint operations between the Air Force and NEMA, particularly in rapid deployment during crises.
“The integration of these advanced helicopters into NAF’s fleet will enhance Nigeria’s capacity to respond swiftly to emergencies — whether natural disasters or conflict-induced displacements,” she stated.
Vice President Shettima, while commending the leadership of the Nigerian Air Force, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to providing the necessary tools and resources to secure the nation and protect its people. He stressed that the Tinubu administration remains focused on strengthening the armed forces and building synergy among security and emergency agencies.
The induction ceremony was attended by senior military officers, heads of strategic national agencies, members of the diplomatic corps, and other dignitaries. The Agusta 109 Trekker helicopters are known for their versatility, speed, and advanced avionics, making them ideal for multi-role missions in both military and humanitarian contexts.
