Bandits May Attack Super Tucano Jets In Niger State – Reps Member Warns FG

A lawmaker representing Agwara/Borgu Federal Constituency of Niger State in the House of Representatives, Jafaru Muhammad has warned the federal government that the present location of the Super Tucano fighter jets in Niger State is an easy target for bandits.

To this end, he has called on the government to urgently provide additional security to the location to prevent an attack on the Tucano Jets by the bandits.

The legislator who revealed the current location of the jets as the 407 Air Weapon Training School, New Bussa stated that the area is close to the Kainji National Park in the Borgu Game reserve which is a known area used by the bandits as a hideout.

He argued that the close proximity may prompt an attack by the bandits on the National Assets thus also exposing residents of the area to increased risks.

Lamenting previous attacks by bandits in the area, the lawmaker stated that the Correctional Centre situated in 221 and 101 battalions need to be fortified against any planned attack by the bandits.

Speaking during plenary on Tuesday, Muhammad said: “Nigeria’s Super Tucano Fighter Jets, which are being kept at the 407 Air Weapon Training School, New Bussa, are exposed to the risk of getting destroyed, given its proximity to the location of bandits at the Kainji National Park in the Borgu Game reserve.

“The Correctional Centre situated in 221 and 101 battalions and has some insurgents incarcerated therein poses great risk to public safety, lives and properties in the areas within the Constituency.”

His motion was thereafter adopted and passed by the house, Naija News reports.

It will be recalled the first batch of A-29 Super Tucano aircraft procured by Nigeria from the United States of America was received in July 2021.

A statement signed by NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said the aircraft arrived in Kano State and was received by top military and government officials upon arrival.

Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters has revealed why the military cannot use the Super Tucano jets to fight bandits terrorising the North West region of the country.

It was gathered that the military told the National Assembly the reason the jets cannot be deployed to the North West is due to the agreement signed with the United States Government.