Insecurity: FG Sets To Acquire 24 Fighter Jets From Italy
The Federal Government under the control of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu would buy 24 fighter jets from Italy’s Leonardo.
This is aimed at strengthening the country’s air force to tackle insecurity which had brought Nigeria to its knees.
The country has remained under the mercy of Banditry, Boko Haram and terrorists upon the wake of APC government which thresheld from Muhammadu Bahari.
The Nigerian Air Force spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, disclosed this in a statement obtained by Africa Investigative Magazine on April 19, 2024.
Marshal Edward Gabkwet explained that the aircraft would arrive in the country in four batches of six jets each.
He said, “Africa’s most populous nation will receive the first six M-346 fighter aircraft before the end of the year.”
The news followed a visit by Claudio Sabatino, Leonardo’s vice president, to Nigeria’s air force chief in Abuja on April 17, 2024.
According to the statement, Leonardo will provide a minimum of 25 years of maintenance support.
Nigeria is trying to boost its ability to combat insurgency, especially in the northeast of the country where Boko Haram militants and the Islamic State regional affiliate are active.
Also, kidnapping and banditry are rife across the country.