US Hails Nigeria’s Readiness Ahead of Combat Helicopter Delivery

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The United States has praised Nigeria’s military for its preparations ahead of the delivery of advanced combat helicopters, signalling growing confidence in defence cooperation between the two countries.

According to a statement signed by Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame; the commendation followed a three-day engagement in Abuja between senior Nigerian officers and a United States government delegation. The talks focused on readiness plans for the deployment, maintenance and long-term use of the AH-1Z helicopters.

The US delegation, drawn from PMA-276 and led by Robert Galan, assessed facilities designated to host the aircraft and reviewed a comprehensive programme designed to ensure their smooth integration into Nigeria’s air operations.

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, was represented at the meeting by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Abdullahi, who reaffirmed the air force’s commitment to meeting all operational, technical and logistical requirements before the helicopters arrive.

NAF says the engagement reflects a steady deepening of defence ties between Nigeria and the United States Government, built around shared security goals and professional cooperation.

It reteirated that the partnership will not only strengthen its combat capability but also enhance national security efforts and support broader stability and development across the country.

PRESS RELEASE

NIGERIA–US DEFENCE PARTNERSHIP ADVANCES AS NAF EARNS PRAISE FOR AH-1Z PREPAREDNESS

The United States Government has commended the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for its high level of preparedness ahead of the delivery of the AH-1Z helicopters to Nigeria, including the readiness of designated NAF facilities where the aircraft will be domiciled. The commendation was conveyed during a three-day high-level engagement between the US Government delegation from PMA-276, led by Robert Galan, and senior NAF stakeholders at Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Abuja. The meeting focused on the comprehensive Programme and Support Plan designed to ensure seamless integration, sustainment, and operational effectiveness of the incoming fleet.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, was represented at the engagement by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Abdullahi, who reaffirmed the Service’s unwavering commitment to aligning all operational, technical, and logistical requirements to guarantee immediate operational readiness upon delivery of the aircraft.

The engagement underscores the steady advancement of Nigeria–United States defence cooperation, anchored on mutual trust, shared security objectives, and institutional professionalism. The commendation reflects international recognition of the Nigerian Air Force’s meticulous planning, strategic foresight, and disciplined modernization drive under the leadership of the Chief of the Air Staff. Beyond fleet acquisition, this collaboration strengthens Nigeria’s airpower capability, reinforces national security architecture, and contributes meaningfully to broader national stability and sustainable development.

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Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force.

26 February 2026