There was increased enthusiasm, Thursday, within the Nigerian military, particularly the Airforce, as the first batch of six A-29 Super Tucano aircraft procured from the United States of America landed in Nigeria.
Military experts were elated that the arrival of the super fighter jets might be a game-changer in Nigeria’s war against terrorism, banditry and allied security challenges roiling the country.
Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, announced the good news, Thursday, in a statement, titled: ‘Super Tucano aircraft arrives Nigeria’.
The fighter jets, according to Gabkwet, arrived Kano at about 12.34 p.m., and were received by the Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (retd.); Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao.
The aircraft had departed the United States on July 14, 2021,and had flown through five countries, namely: Canada, Spain, Greenland, Iceland and Algeria, before arriving Nigeria.
“The first batch of A-29 Super Tucano aircraft have arrived in Kano, today, July 22, 2021, around 12.34pm,” Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet said in the statement. “On hand to receive the aircraft were the Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (retd.); Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao.”
Gabkwet further announced the second batch of the aircraft would arrive the country before the end of the year.