By Yusuf Olawale
A couple of days ago, not fewer than 125 bandits were reported to have been killed by an offensive Alpha Jet Airstrike conducted by the Nigeria Airforce, (NAF) around Genu town in Niger State.
The airstrike was pitched as the outcome of the intelligence gathered on the activities of the bandits in the area.
With much euphoria on the outcome of the strike and the need to enforce the use of more sophisticated weapons, the airstrike is about to go stronger and deadlier with the arrival of 6 A-29 Super Tucano Aircraft from the United States.
The Director of NAF Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet made this known to the public, the arrival of the first batch of 6 A-29 Super Tucano Aircraft which is to take place at the end of July.
The Director noted that “the 6 aircraft will be leapfrogged through 5 countries including Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and Algeria before their final arrival to Nigeria at the end of July 2021.”
A-29 Super Tucano Aircraft developed from the earlier Embraer EMB Tucano 312, has been certified as one of the deadliest precision-guiding munitions to strike enemies in a low-to-medium threat environment. The A-29 Super Tucano Aircraft have been used in countries like Iran, Afghanistan, Brazil, USA, to mention, but a few.
The Director stated that the purchase was a bold step by the Federal Government to eradicate banditry and insurgency, and a means to emancipate the borders from scrupulous elements.
Upon their arrival, an induction ceremony into the Inventory of the Nigerian Airforce will take place at a yet to be decided date in August 2021.
