Nigeria announces the acquisition of 50 new military aircraft to bolster offensives against armed gangs and jihadist groups. The fleet includes 12 AH-1 attack helicopters, 24 M-346 combat planes, 12 AW109 multipurpose helicopters, and 2 Casa 295 transport aircraft, expected by next year.
Security experts express skepticism, questioning the strategic direction and prioritization of the acquisition. Analyst Mike Ejiofor calls the plan “overambitious,” suggesting resources might be better spent on ground troop training and welfare for more tangible results.
Concurrently, Kaduna state announces a partnership with the military to establish new operational fronts, aiming to address regional insecurity. This move follows criticisms of the air force’s past mistakes, emphasizing the need for precise intelligence and coordination in military operations.