Boko Haram: FG Orders 12 Tucano Aircraft

• Boko Haram: FG Orders 12 Tucano Aircraft

In an effort to put an end to Boko Haram menace in the North-East, the Federal Government has ordered 12 Super Tucano aircraft from the United States of America, said S.B. Abubakar, Chief of Air Staff.

Abubakar, who made the statement while addressing journalists in Abuja on Sunday, also said the government is winning the war against Boko Haram insurgents.

He further said the Nigerian Air Force is seeking private partners to support investments in advanced weapons technologies, especially manufacturing and deployment of drones.

“In the last 3 years, the NAF fleets of aircraft have recorded unprecedented growth. A total of 16 brand new aircraft were purchased, while 13 previously grounded aircraft were reactivated with reactivation of another two presently in progress,” Abubakar said.

“The NAF is also conducting Periodic Depot Maintenance for 3 Alpha Jet aircraft and Life Extension Programme for 3 L-39ZA aircraft in Kainji and Kano, respectively.”

“Platforms inducted into the NAF during the 2018 calendar year include additional Super Mushshak aircraft acquired from Pakistan, additional new Mi-35M Helicopters gunships delivered to Nigeria from the Russian Federation, Bell 412 helicopters, Tsaigunmi UAV and one Alpha Jet ferried in from the USA.”

“In addition to these, the Federal Government has also released funds for the purchase of 12 Super Tucano aircraft from the Government of the United States of America, while another 5 attack/utility helicopters have been ordered from Italy.“