Nigeria receives first batch of A-29 Super Tucano Aircraft to fight insecurity

The arrival of the Super Tucano is a major boost to the country’s fight against insurgency.

Nigeria has received the first batch of A-29 Super Tucano aircraft procured from the United States of America.

The aircraft arrived in Kano State on Thursday afternoon, the Nigerian Air Force said.

“On hand to receive the aircraft were the Honourable Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (Rtd), Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao,” a statement signed by NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, noted.

Gabkwet said the second batch of the A-29 Super Tucano is expected to arrive in the country before the end of the year.

The governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele had some months back hinted that the West African nation was expecting the fighter planes from the US as the country steps up efforts to combat insecurity.

“About three years ago, the federal government and the United States signed a pact that resulted in a government to government acquisition of military equipment out of which we are expecting twelve Tucano aircraft or fighter planes that will help combat insecurity,” the apex bank boss explained during a two-day Monetary Policy Committee meeting in Abuja where he also expressed optimism that Nigeria will overcome its security challenges.

“I am aware that six of them are coming to the country in the months of July and August.”

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