by Nurat Uthman
The Nigerian government is ready to buy at least 24 fighter jets from Italy’s Leonardo to strengthen the country’s air force.
This was stated by the Nigerian Air Force spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, on Friday.
The aircraft would arrive in the country in four batches of six jets each.
The Air Force 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 Wednesday.
Leonardo will provide a minimum of 25 years of maintenance support, the Air Force statement said.
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.
