$1bn military helicopters: US trainers to spend two years in Nigeria, security experts hail move - Newstrends
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$1bn military helicopters: US trainers to spend two years in Nigeria, security experts hail move

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The United States Government has said the implementation of its proposed sale of 12 AH-1Z Cobra attack helicopters to Nigeria will require the deployment of three of its representatives or those of the contractors to reside in the country for two years for the purposes of training and logistics.

The US Defence Security Cooperation Agency, on Thursday, said in a statement on its website titled, ‘Nigeria – AH-1Z Attack Helicopter Related FMS Acquisitions’, that the notice of the potential sale was required by law and that Congress had been notified of the possible transaction.

It said the State Department had “made a determination approving a possible foreign military sale to the Government of Nigeria of AH-1Z attack helicopter related FMS acquisitions and related equipment for an estimated cost of $997m.”

The statement named the principal contractors as Bell Helicopter, Textron, Fort Worth, TX; and General Electric Company, Lynn, MA, saying the proposed sale would better equip Nigeria to contribute to shared security objectives, promote regional stability and build interoperability with the US and other western partners.

The United States Government has said the implementation of its proposed sale of 12 AH-1Z Cobra attack helicopters to Nigeria will require the deployment of three of its representatives or those of the contractors to reside in the country for two years for the purposes of training and logistics.

The US Defence Security Cooperation Agency, on Thursday, said in a statement on its website titled, ‘Nigeria – AH-1Z Attack Helicopter Related FMS Acquisitions’, that the notice of the potential sale was required by law and that Congress had been notified of the possible transaction.

It said the State Department had “made a determination approving a possible foreign military sale to the Government of Nigeria of AH-1Z attack helicopter related FMS acquisitions and related equipment for an estimated cost of $997m.”

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The statement named the principal contractors as Bell Helicopter, Textron, Fort Worth, TX; and General Electric Company, Lynn, MA, saying the proposed sale would better equip Nigeria to contribute to shared security objectives, promote regional stability and build interoperability with the US and other western partners.

Meanwhile, the statement pointed out that the cost of the equipment could eventually reduce, depending on certain variables, adding, “The description and dollar value is for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded.”

Security experts hail move

Some security experts, who spoke with Saturday PUNCH on Friday, hailed the proposed acquisition, saying it could be a game-changer in the onslaught against terrorists. They said it would also enhance the capability of the military to deal decisively with the bandits-turned-terrorists, especially since the authorities appeared unwilling to deploy the Super Tucano jets against them.

According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the sale includes the Bell-made Cobras; 28 General Electric-made T700-401C engines (24 installed, four spares); 2,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System used to convert unguided missiles into precision-guided missiles; M197 20mm machine gun; Night Vision Cueing Display; commercial variant GPS with Standard Positioning Service; communication equipment; electronic warfare systems; AN/AVS-9 Aviator’s Night Vision Imaging System and targeting and navigation systems. It also includes $25m for institutional and technical assistance to the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Reports had indicated that the US State Department approved the sale of military hardware to Nigeria after lawmakers lifted their objections over human rights concerns.

An intelligence and security risk management consultant, Kabir Adamu, noted that the nature of the threat elements in Nigeria required air capability that was ideal for urban warfare and precision-style interdiction attacks.

“These two requirements can be met by combat helicopters. This is in addition to meeting the requirement for rapid response as part of a light force capability that all modern military and security forces should have. I, therefore, welcome this acquisition and see it as a possible game-changer in the current conflict dynamics in the country,” he stated.

Adamu noted that drones would be a good addition to the military arsenal, both for intelligence gathering and the fact that there were multiple theatres of conflict the military was engaged in.

A former Director of the Department of State Services, Mike Ejiofor, said the attack choppers were good, but they must be put into effective use, especially in the North-West and North-Central, where there had been massive kidnappings and killings since the terrorists relocated from the North-East.

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He added, “Who knows when it is coming? If it’s something that is ready for delivery soon, it is fine. But the question is; where are the Tucano jets we bought earlier? However, they should help us in operating these platforms. We also need effective drones.

“The greatest challenge we have is that we can’t quickly locate them (terrorists) when they are coming; the Air Force could bomb them on their way, but that has not happened. What they have been doing is to come within an area view and tell us that a number of persons have been killed.”

The Chief Executive Officer, Agent X Security Limited, Timothy Avele, also said the choppers and drones would help in the fight against terrorism.

He said, “It’s a good move. I will advise that they should be used mainly as a quick response force immediately. They should be used especially in Kaduna, Niger Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto states, and other emerging volatile zones. It should be noted that, for better results, long endurance, all-weather drones for 24/7 aerial surveillance and monitoring must be used to complement these helicopters and of course, human intelligence is necessary too.”

A retired US Army Captain and security consultant, Bishop Johnson, said the Nigeria Air Force must be careful with the deployment of the attack helicopters to minimise collateral damage.

He stated, “With these kinds of military packages from the United States, they are usually very specific on how this equipment, especially aircraft, should be deployed. The most important factor they usually consider is that the aircraft is not used against innocent Nigerians and is not used to commit human rights violations.

“Other than that, I think they should be deployed where necessary and where they can add value to the Nigerian Air Force to tackle the security challenges Nigeria is facing right now.”

He said the Air Force had in recent times been more careful not to kill innocent persons, noting that the deployment would normally be based on operations and intelligence received.

Another security expert, Oladele Fajana, urged the military to ensure that the rights of people were not violated and that innocent persons were not killed.

“Without getting rid of these terrorists, Nigeria will not have peace; so, if those things can be hastened and delivered to Nigeria, they should be deployed immediately, because this war is not a conventional one. The enemies are within. The security personnel alone can no longer fight this war. We need technology. If deployed, they’re going to help,” he stated.

Also, a security consultant, Mr Yemi Adeyemi, said the military would need to exercise care in the way it handles the fighter helicopters when they finally arrive in Nigeria. “The Air Force should be careful so they don’t harm innocent lives. It is a delicate matter, which is why they should always be trained and retrained on how to tackle this war,” he added.

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However, a Fellow of the International Institute of Professional Security and certified golden member of the International Security Association, Switzerland, Jackson Olalekan-Ojo, said all the government needed was the political will to flush out terrorists from Nigeria and not the acquisition of fighter helicopters.

He stated, “With these kinds of military packages from the United States, they are usually very specific on how this equipment, especially aircraft, should be deployed. The most important factor they usually consider is that the aircraft is not used against innocent Nigerians and is not used to commit human rights violations.

“Other than that, I think they should be deployed where necessary and where they can add value to the Nigerian Air Force to tackle the security challenges Nigeria is facing right now.”

He said the Air Force had in recent times been more careful not to kill innocent persons, noting that the deployment would normally be based on operations and intelligence received.

Another security expert, Oladele Fajana, urged the military to ensure that the rights of people were not violated and that innocent persons were not killed.

“Without getting rid of these terrorists, Nigeria will not have peace; so, if those things can be hastened and delivered to Nigeria, they should be deployed immediately, because this war is not a conventional one. The enemies are within. The security personnel alone can no longer fight this war. We need technology. If deployed, they’re going to help,” he stated.

Also, a security consultant, Mr Yemi Adeyemi, said the military would need to exercise care in the way it handles the fighter helicopters when they finally arrive in Nigeria. “The Air Force should be careful so they don’t harm innocent lives. It is a delicate matter, which is why they should always be trained and retrained on how to tackle this war,” he added.

However, a Fellow of the International Institute of Professional Security and certified golden member of the International Security Association, Switzerland, Jackson Olalekan-Ojo, said all the government needed was the political will to flush out terrorists from Nigeria and not the acquisition of fighter helicopters.

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Russian airstrike kills Nigerian medical student days before graduation in Ukraine

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July 6, 2026

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Russian airstrike kills Nigerian medical student days before graduation in Ukraine

Russian airstrike kills Nigerian medical student days before graduation in Ukraine

A promising young Nigerian’s dream of becoming a medical doctor has been tragically cut short after Nnani Adaobi Marian, a 23-year-old final-year student of Kharkiv National Medical University (KNMU), died from injuries sustained in a Russian airstrike in Kharkiv, Ukraine, just days before her graduation.

Marian died on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at a specialist hospital in Germany, where she had been receiving intensive medical treatment after suffering catastrophic injuries during a Russian aerial bombardment on June 29.

The Nigerian student had travelled to Kharkiv with her close friend, Fatima Huseynova, for their graduation ceremony after both had continued their studies remotely from Azerbaijan following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The two friends were reportedly on their way to a graduation photoshoot on June 29 when Russian forces launched a guided aerial bomb attack on Kharkiv’s Kholodnohirskyi district.

Huseynova was killed instantly in the explosion, while Marian sustained life-threatening injuries and was rushed to a hospital in Kharkiv before being transferred to Germany for advanced treatment.

Despite the efforts of medical teams in both Ukraine and Germany, Marian succumbed to her injuries nearly a week later.

The graduation ceremony was scheduled for June 30, making the tragedy all the more heartbreaking for her family, classmates and lecturers.

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In a statement confirming her death, Kharkiv National Medical University described Marian as one of its brightest and most dedicated students.

“As a result of enemy shelling, Nnani Adaobi Marian was seriously injured. Doctors fought for her life until the last moment, first in Kharkiv and later in Germany. Everyone sympathised, helped and hoped for her recovery, but unfortunately, despite the doctors’ efforts, they could not save her,” the university said.

The institution said Marian enrolled in the university in 2020 and distinguished herself through academic excellence, compassion and commitment to the medical profession.

According to the university, she participated in international medical training programmes at the University of Cambridge in 2024 and Biruni University in Türkiye in 2025, where she further developed her clinical skills and contributed to scientific research.

The university described her as “bright, sincere and kind-hearted,” noting that she was admired for her humility, strong work ethic and unwavering passion for helping others.

Family members disclosed that Marian suffered devastating injuries during the attack, including severe burns, multiple shrapnel wounds, significant eye injuries and the amputation of one leg.

She was reportedly treated for burns covering about 90 per cent of her body before doctors transferred her to Germany in a last effort to save her life.

According to Ukrainian authorities, the June 29 bombardment formed part of a wider wave of Russian attacks targeting the Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions.

The attacks reportedly killed at least 14 civilians and injured 98 others, highlighting the continuing humanitarian consequences of the more than four-year Russia-Ukraine war.

Marian’s death has triggered an outpouring of grief across Nigeria and within the international academic community, with tributes describing her as an exceptionally gifted student whose lifelong ambition of becoming a doctor was cruelly interrupted just days before graduation.

The tragedy has also renewed concerns about the safety and welfare of international students studying in conflict zones, as fighting between Russia and Ukraine continues despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire.

For many Nigerians following the war, Marian’s death has become a poignant reminder of the devastating human cost of armed conflict and the countless lives and aspirations that continue to be lost far from home.

Russian airstrike kills Nigerian medical student days before graduation in Ukraine

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ICYMI: How to Apply for 2026 FRSC Recruitment Successfully

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July 6, 2026

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ICYMI: How to Apply for 2026 FRSC Recruitment Successfully

ICYMI: How to Apply for 2026 FRSC Recruitment Successfully

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has officially commenced its 2026 recruitment exercise, opening applications for qualified Nigerians seeking employment in the Corps across the Officer, Marshal Inspectorate (MI) and Road Marshal Assistant (RMA) cadres.

The recruitment portal opened on Friday, July 3, 2026, and applications will remain open for four weeks through the official FRSC recruitment portal.

The Corps has emphasised that the recruitment exercise is completely free, warning applicants against paying money to individuals or organisations claiming to offer employment or recruitment assistance.

Prospective applicants are advised to carefully read the eligibility criteria and prepare all required documents before beginning the online registration process.

Who is eligible for the 2026 FRSC recruitment?

To qualify for the 2026 FRSC recruitment, applicants must satisfy the Corps’ general entry requirements.

Applicants must:

  • Be Nigerian citizens by birth.
  • Be medically, physically and psychologically fit.
  • Be of good character and free from any criminal conviction.
  • Not belong to any secret cult or fraternity.
  • Possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN).
  • Meet the minimum height requirement of 1.65 metres for males and 1.58 metres for females.
  • Possess the minimum academic qualification required for the cadre they intend to apply for.

Applicants who fail to meet these requirements may be disqualified during screening.

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Cadres available in the 2026 FRSC recruitment

The Corps has opened recruitment into three major categories.

Officer Cadre

This category is designed for graduates and professionals with qualifications such as B.Sc., BA, HND, MBBS, LLB, B.Pharm, B.Eng. and other recognised degrees.

Applicants must possess a valid NYSC discharge or exemption certificate and be between 18 and 35 years of age.

Marshal Inspectorate (MI) Cadre

Candidates with ND, NCE, Registered Nurse (RN), Registered Midwife (RM), Community Health Extension Worker (CHEW) and other recognised health-related qualifications are eligible.

Applicants must be 18 to 30 years old.

Road Marshal Assistant (RMA) Cadre

The Road Marshal Assistant category is open to applicants with WAEC, NECO or NABTEB qualifications.

Candidates are expected to possess between three and five O’Level credits, depending on the position, including English Language and Mathematics where required.

Drivers, riders and artisans—including mechanics, electricians, welders, plumbers, tailors and other skilled workers—may also apply provided they possess the relevant trade certificates and valid driver’s licence where applicable.

Heavy-duty truck drivers may be considered up to 40 years of age.

Documents required for FRSC recruitment

Before beginning the application, applicants should have the following documents ready:

  • National Identification Number (NIN)
  • Birth Certificate or Declaration of Age
  • Local Government Certificate of Origin
  • Primary and secondary school certificates
  • Tertiary institution certificates (where applicable)
  • NYSC discharge or exemption certificate
  • Professional licences (where applicable)
  • Trade Test Certificate (for artisans)
  • Valid driver’s licence (for drivers)
  • Recent passport photograph
  • Valid email address
  • Active mobile phone number

Step-by-step guide to apply for 2026 FRSC recruitment

Step 1: Visit the official recruitment portal

Go to the official FRSC recruitment portal at:

https://recruitment.frsc.gov.ng

Applicants are advised to avoid unofficial websites and recruitment agents.

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Step 2: Create an account

Register using your:

  • Email address
  • Phone number
  • National Identification Number (NIN)

Create a secure password for your account.

Step 3: Verify your email

After registration, check your email inbox and click the activation link sent by the FRSC to verify your account.

Step 4: Complete the online application form

Log into the portal and provide accurate information, including:

  • Personal details
  • Educational qualifications
  • Employment history (where applicable)
  • Contact information
  • Next-of-kin details
  • Referee information

Applicants are advised to ensure all details correspond with their official documents.

Step 5: Upload required documents

Upload scanned copies of all requested credentials and a recent passport photograph.

Ensure the documents are clear, readable and meet the portal’s upload specifications.

Step 6: Review and submit your application

Carefully review every section of the application before submission.

Once satisfied, click the Submit button.

Step 7: Print your acknowledgement slip

Immediately print your completed application form and acknowledgement slip after submission.

The documents will be required during the Computer-Based Test (CBT), physical screening and credential verification for shortlisted candidates.

FRSC warns against recruitment fraud

The Federal Road Safety Corps has reiterated that the recruitment exercise is entirely free of charge.

Applicants have been advised not to pay money to anyone claiming to facilitate employment into the Corps.

The FRSC also urged candidates to use only their personal email addresses and telephone numbers throughout the recruitment process, as all official notifications—including CBT invitations, screening schedules and shortlisting updates—will be communicated through the contact details provided during registration.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to complete their applications before the portal closes and regularly monitor the official recruitment portal for updates.

ICYMI: How to Apply for 2026 FRSC Recruitment Successfully

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Falana Slams Police Over Arrest of Alleged PFIPC Boss’ Father, Calls Action Illegal

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9 hours ago

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July 6, 2026

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Falana Slams Police Over Arrest of Alleged PFIPC Boss' Father, Calls Action Illegal

Falana Slams Police Over Arrest of Alleged PFIPC Boss’ Father, Calls Action Illegal

The controversy surrounding the alleged fake Presidential Fiscal and Infrastructure Projects Council (PFIPC) has taken a new turn after operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) reportedly arrested the father of Prince Adeyemi Adeniyi, the man facing criminal charges over his alleged role as the council’s Director-General.

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, described the arrest as unlawful, insisting that Nigerian law does not permit the arrest of relatives in place of criminal suspects.

Falana disclosed on Monday that police officers stormed the Adeniyi family residence at Plot 3, Adeniyi Dynasty, behind Technical College, Road Safety Area, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, where they arrested Adeniyi’s father during a raid.

According to him, a family friend who had visited the residence on Monday morning was also taken into custody.

Speaking in a telephone interview, Falana questioned the legal basis for the operation, maintaining that the suspect had already undertaken to appear before the court.

“Police have now stormed the house of the parents of Prince Adeyemi Adeniyi, Plot 3, Adeniyi Dynasty, behind Technical College, Road Safety Area, Ogbomoso.

“The father has been arrested. There is no legal basis for substituted arrests. The young man has promised to show up in court, so why arrest his father?” Falana said.

Eyewitnesses in the area reportedly said the officers arrived in multiple vehicles before taking the elderly man away. Residents also claimed the operation caused panic within the neighbourhood, while Adeniyi’s elderly mother was left distressed by the incident.

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As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force had not issued any official statement explaining the arrests.

The latest development adds another layer to the controversy surrounding the Presidential Fiscal and Infrastructure Projects Council (PFIPC), an organisation the Presidency has maintained is not a legally recognised government agency.

Prince Adeniyi is currently facing criminal charges, including forgery, impersonation, obtaining by false pretence, and other related offences.

Federal authorities allege that he falsely presented himself as the Director-General of the council using forged appointment letters and official documents to project the PFIPC as a legitimate federal institution.

However, Adeniyi has denied the allegations, insisting that his appointment was genuine and that he will defend himself before the court.

Falana has consistently argued that allegations against Adeniyi should be determined strictly through the judicial process. The senior lawyer recently maintained that the Presidency lacks constitutional powers to declare anyone guilty or innocent of criminal allegations, stressing that such decisions remain the exclusive responsibility of the courts.

He also warned against actions capable of intimidating parties connected to the case while proceedings remain before the court.

Beyond the criminal trial, the controversy has triggered broader questions about how the alleged council reportedly operated for months.

Falana has called for an independent investigation into claims that the organisation maintained offices within the Federal Secretariat, allegedly operated bank accounts, interacted with public institutions and even appeared in the 2026 Federal Budget, despite government officials insisting that the council never legally existed.

The senior lawyer has also urged authorities to identify any public officials who may have facilitated the activities of the alleged organisation.

On its part, the Presidency has distanced itself from the PFIPC, describing the organisation as fictitious while directing security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the police, to investigate everyone connected with the alleged scheme.

The criminal case against Adeniyi remains before the court, with no judicial determination yet made on the allegations.

The reported arrest of his father has, however, introduced a fresh legal and human rights dimension to a case that continues to generate national attention.

Falana Slams Police Over Arrest of Alleged PFIPC Boss’ Father, Calls Action Illegal

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