The Nigerian government, has approved borrowing of $618 million from a group of financiers to buy six Italian-made M-346 attack jets and ammunition for the country’s air force.
Minister of Information Mohammed Idris said on Wednesday while briefing journalists after the Federal Executive Council Meeting.
Earlier this month the Nigerian Air Force said it was acquiring 24 M-346 combat jets and 10 AW109 Trekker helicopters as part of a fleet renewal strategy.
The first three M-346 jets are expected to be delivered by early 2025, with subsequent deliveries running until mid-2026, the Air Force has said.
Nigeria has ramped up military spending in recent years as it struggles to contain attacks by armed bandits in the northwest and a 15-year Islamist insurgency against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province in the northeast.
