Nigeria's Defence Minister Mansur Dan-Ali on
Wednesday, said the country had procured modern
equipment from Russia and United Arab Emirates to
fight insurgency, DailyTrust reports.
Dan-Ali made this known in Abuja while briefing the
Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo on the security situation
across the country.
He said: "In order to sustain the tempo of the counter
insurgency operation in the northeast, the present
administration had recently procured modern equipment
to enhance the combat effectiveness of our armed
forces.
"Mine-resistance ambush patrol vehicles, one 20mm
Motors and ammunition were being procured by the
Nigerian Army. Also, some patrol boats and other
platforms have been ordered by the Nigerian Navy for
outpost at Lake Chad Basin while contract for
helicopters from Russia for the Nigerian Air Force has
been awarded and approval for addition four of MI 35
are being awaited.
"Additionally, 20 unmanned aerial vehicles from the
United Arab Emirates have been procured by the
Nigerian Air Force to support the operation in the North
East.
"This administration has also shown tremendous
concern to the welfare of troops particularly in the
northeast through prompt payment of troops' salaries
and allowances as well as improvement in medical
services."
