Nigerian Air Force Announces Acquisition of 50 New Aircraft to Combat Terrorism.

The Nigerian air force announced on 18, June 2024, its intention to acquire 50 new aircraft to enhance its capabilities against armed gangs and terrorists in northwest Nigeria. This announcement was made by Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, Chief of Air Staff of the Nigerian Air Force, during the inauguration of new military facilities, including two aircraft hangars in Katsina state.
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Bell AH-1Z, the next-generation attack and reconnaissance helicopter by Bell flight (Picture source: Bellflight)

Marshal Abubakar specified that the new fleet would include 12 AH-1 attack helicopters, 24 M-346 combat planes, 12 AW109 multipurpose helicopters, and two Casa 295 transport aircraft. The details regarding the cost and suppliers of these aircraft were not disclosed. The Nigerian Air Force expects to receive these new additions by next year, aiming to bolster offensives against jihadist groups and armed gangs that have posed significant threats in the northwest and central regions of the country.

The AH-1 Cobra is a single-engine attack helicopter developed by Bell Helicopter, first flown in 1965 and entering service with the U.S. Army in 1967 during the Vietnam War. Renowned for its agility and firepower, the AH-1 features a tandem-seat configuration for a pilot and gunner, equipped with a 20mm M197 Gatling gun, rockets, and TOW missiles. Several variants are still in service worldwide. 

The M-346 is a jet trainer and light attack aircraft developed by Leonardo (formerly Alenia Aermacchi), first flown in 2004 and entering service in 2011. It provides advanced training for pilots transitioning to modern fighter aircraft, featuring state-of-the-art avionics and high maneuverability. Used by air forces including those of Italy and Singapore, there are over 70 M-346 aircraft in service globally.

The AW109 is a light, twin-engine, multi-purpose helicopter developed by Agusta (now Leonardo), first flown in 1971 and entering service in 1976. It is used for various roles including medical evacuation, search and rescue, and military operations. Known for its versatility and high performance, several hundred AW109 helicopters are in service worldwide.

The Casa C-295 is a twin-turboprop tactical military transport aircraft developed by Airbus Defence and Space, first flown in 1998 and entering service in 2001. Used for missions including troop transport and maritime patrol, the C-295 can carry up to 71 troops or 9 tons of cargo. Its versatility and reliability have made it popular, with over 200 aircraft in service in more than 30 countries. 

However, security analyst Mike Ejiofor expressed concerns that acquiring 50 aircraft might be an overly ambitious and potentially misdirected strategy. Ejiofor suggested that resources could be better allocated towards improving training and welfare for ground troops, arguing that focusing more on land operations could yield more substantial results in combating terrorism.

Simultaneously, Kaduna state authorities announced a collaboration with the military to establish three new operational fronts within the state. Governor Uba Sani revealed plans to create forward-operating bases in southern Kaduna as well as in the Giwa and Birnin-Gwari axis, with arrangements nearing completion.

The Nigerian air force faced significant criticism in December following an airstrike in Kaduna state that resulted in over 80 civilian casualties. The airstrike, intended to target gangs, highlighted the need for improved precision in military operations. In response, General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defense Staff of the Nigerian armed forces, assured the public of the professionalism of the Nigerian military and their commitment to protecting innocent citizens. He acknowledged the incident as a mistake and emphasized ongoing efforts to address such issues.

Ejiofor further stressed the importance of enhancing the air force's intelligence-gathering capabilities. He advocated for deploying more drones to gather accurate information about the activities of armed groups, stating that intelligence-driven strikes require reliable data to guide operations effectively.