The War against Boko Haram insurgency is getting the much needed boost as the Nigerian Airforce on Monday took delivery of four fighter aircraft donated by the Pakistani government.

This is coming after President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the procurement of 21 aircraft, which include four gunship-helicopters, four medium airlift utility helicopters, three live attack aircraft and 10 primary trainers which delivery are expected in the country by the first quarter of 2017.

The aircraft, which were handed over to the Nigerian Air Force by the Pakistani Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, were in fulfilment to the agreements reached by the two countries when Nigeria placed order for 10 war planes.

The four war aircraft donated to Nigeria are meant to train Nigerian Airforce pilots on how to operate the war planes expected for delivery by the first quarter of 2017.

Aside the four aircraft donated, the government of Pakistan also deployed pilots, engineers and other maintenance crews to guide the Nigerian users pending delivery of the others purchased.

While taking delivery of the aircraft in Kaduna, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sadiq Abubakar, commended President Buhari for his prompt response to the operational needs of the Air Force, noting that 20 aircraft had been purchased and added to the Air Force fleet since assumption of office of the president.

    He said: “I would like to specially thank Mr President for his support and consistent commitment to the development of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

    “I want to put it on record today that the Nigerian Air Force has fared well since Mr President’s assumption of leadership as our Commander-In-Chief.

    “As as result, the Nigerian Air Force is now strategically positioned into our highly disciplined and professional force through capacity building initiative for effective and efficient employment of firepower in response to Nigerian national security challenges.”