The Nigerian Air Force said it plans to acquire 50 new aircraft to strengthen its capabilities against armed gangs and terrorists in northwest Nigeria.
Nigerian Chief of Air Staff Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar disclosed this during the commissioning of new military facilities, including two aircraft hangars in Northwest Katsina state.
The Air Force chief said the aircraft would include 12 AH-1 attack helicopters, 24 M-346 combat planes, 12 AW109 multipurpose helicopters and a pair of Casa 295 transport aircraft without giving any details on the cost.
He said Nigeria is expected to receive them by next year.
The aircraft will be used to boost the military’s offensive against terrorist groups and armed gangs that have besieged the northwest and central states in recent years, Abubakar said.
Abubakar’s announcement came against the backdrop of Kaduna state’s plans to partner with the military in establishing three new operational fronts within the state.
Kaduna state Governor Uba Sani said, “We concluded with the military to set up forward-operating bases in southern Kaduna, and another one in the Giwa and Birnin-Gwari axis. All the arrangements are being concluded.”
The Nigerian Air Force came under heavy criticism in December after scores of innocent civilians were killed after airstrikes hit Kaduna community that was erroneously believed to harbour criminals.