Nigeria receives first batch of Super Tucano to tackle Boko Haram, bandits

Nigeria on Thursday received the first batch of A-29 Super Tucano aircraft.

The aircraft arrived in Kano, on Thursday 22 July 2021.

Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information confirmed the arrival of the fighter aircraft in a statement.

“On hand to receive the Tucano aircraft were the Hon. 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”, he said.

The armed turboprops will conduct strikes against Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province and bandits in North-East and North-West regions.

Nigeria paid $462million for twelve Tucanos and other weapons in 2018.

This payment covered Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) systems for six of them.

The aircraft have Paveway II guided bombs, laser-guided rockets, 12.7 mm ammunition, unguided bombs and infrared sensors.