Thread by @toluogunlesi

This has been in the works for a while, so it’s great to see the first consignment rolling in. @HQNigerianArmy has just received a batch of custom-built VT-4 battle tanks, ST-1 light tanks, SH-5 artillery guns, etc — ordered from China’s NORINCO.

Lt Gen Lamidi Adeosun speaks:

To put this in some context, you remember the years when Nigeria was putting 💰cash on private planes and traveling around the world looking for black market weapons?

PMB’s approach has been different: entrench Government-to-Government arms deals; and cut out middlemen.

.@NigeriaGov has a dozen A-29 Super Tucano aircraft on order from the US: dsca.mil/major-arms-sal…

April 2020: “Nigeria’s military has taken delivery of VT-4 main battle tanks, SH-5 self-propelled howitzers and other equipment from China in an effort to strengthen its land forces in the battle against Boko Haram militants.” google.com/amp/s/www.defe…

April 2020: The custom-built Armored Tanks from China’s NORINCO, as Nigeria steps up efforts to upgrade its military capabilities.

Nigeria has ordered Super Mushshak trainer jets from Pakistan to train @NigAirForce fighter pilots: defensenews.com/global/mideast…

We also have PAC JF-17 Thunder, a multi-role combat aircraft, on order; should be arriving later in the year.

Here’s CAS @CAS_AMSadique in Feb 2020 telling @MBuhari that NAF pilots were preparing to head to Pakistan to commence training on the JF-17:

At the Russia-Africa Summit in October 2019, Nigeria and Russia agreed to renew the lapsed Nigeria-Russia Military Technical Agreement.

"I have directed the Minister of Defence to work with the Ministry of Justice to conclude this matter within the shortest possible time." - PMB

“1st batch of 17 military vehicles consisting of VT-4 main battle tanks (MBT), ST-1 wheeled tank destroyer & 2 types of self-propelled howitzers bought by @HQNigerianArmy from China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) arrived Apapa Ports April 8, 2020.” eng.mod.gov.cn/news/2020-04/1…