Following its secret induction into the order of war August 30 in Abuja Defence Minister Bashir Magashi, a batch of six A-29 Super Tucano fighter jets have been deployed by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to battle bandits and terrorists.
The US-built fighter jets have been extolled as the biggest leap so far in Nigeria’s war against terrorists and banditry.
Its capabilities range from precision strikes, surveillance, reconnaissance, intelligence, and training.
The Commander, U.S Air Forces Europe-Africa Gen. Jeffrey Harrigian described the Super Tucanos as impetus for significant deepening of training and professional relationships.
“The Nigerian Air Force is one of our key partners that plays a critical role in furthering regional security and stability,” he said.
“This ceremony symbolises the strength of our unique partnership and underscores the value of training and working together.”
He explained that the joint structure of air-to-ground integration also supports Nigerian Army and Navy operations.
“Nigeria purchased the A-29s through the Foreign Military Sales programme, which follows the Department of Defence’s ‘Total Package Approach’ model and includes spare parts for several years of operation, contract logistics support, munitions, and a multi-year construction project to improve Kainji Air Base infrastructure.
“The total sale is valued at almost $500 million, making it the largest FMS program in sub-Saharan Africa.”
Military watchers in Nigeria and the US have pinned the hope of stabilizing Nigeria and the sub Saharan region with he acquisition of this fighter jets.
Boko Haram , ISWAP are terrorising Borno, Yobe, Adamawa now while bandits, believed to be displaced terrorists, have descended on Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina, and other northwestern states.
These are places the six fighter jets will be in action.