In a bold move to enhance its counter-terrorism capabilities, Nigeria has unveiled plans to acquire a fleet of 50 new military aircraft.
The announcement was made by Chief of the Air Staff, Hassan Bala Abubakar, during the inauguration of two state-of-the-art aircraft hangars in the northwestern region of the country.
The procurement includes 12 AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters and a dozen AW109 multi-purpose helicopters, which will significantly bolster Nigeria’s aerial firepower.
Additionally, the country will be placing an order for 24 M-346 light fighter-trainer aircraft from Leonardo and two C-295 medium tactical transport aircraft manufactured by Airbus.
These new aircraft will play a vital role in intensifying military operations against jihadist groups and armed gangs that have been wreaking havoc in Nigeria’s northwest and central states.
With these advanced aerial assets, Nigeria aims to effectively neutralize the threats posed by these extremist elements.
Critics, however, have voiced their concerns regarding the ambitious nature of the procurement plan. Nigerian defense analyst, Mike Ejiofor, questions the allocation of resources, suggesting that investing in the training and equipping of ground troops would yield better results in the fight against terrorism.
He emphasizes the importance of focusing on land-based operations, stating that Nigeria is not currently engaged in a full-scale war.
Despite differing opinions, Nigeria remains committed to strengthening its counter-terrorism capabilities.
Recent investments, such as the acquisition of 20 armored personnel carriers, demonstrate the nation’s dedication to equipping its forces with the necessary tools to combat the growing threats posed by bandits and terrorists.
The military has also vowed to exercise precision and caution in its operations to prevent any unintended collateral damage, learning from past incidents that led to civilian casualties.
As Nigeria takes to the skies with its new fleet of military aircraft, the nation’s determination to protect its citizens and maintain peace and security remains steadfast.
