US Donates Used Mine Resistant APCs to Nigeria to Fight Terrorism.....xxx

Date: 18-03-2016 11:03 am (8 years ago) | Author: Emma Uchenna Isibor
- at 18-03-2016 11:03 AM (8 years ago)
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The United States Government on Thursday made good its pledge to support Nigeria in defeating the Boko Haram sect by donating 24 used mine resistant armoured personnel carriers (APCs) to the Nigerian military.

According to the US government, the 24 mine resistant armour protected (MRAP) vehicles were purchased for $11 million.


This is just as Nigeria is in the process of receiving an additional eight more MRAPs valued at approximately $7.4 million through the same Excess Defense Articles Programme from the US government.


While receiving the vehicles at the 9th Brigade cantonment, Ikeja, Lagos, the Minister of Defence, General Dan Ali (rtd), said it would help protect troops against improvised explosive devices (IEDs), thus limiting the number of casualties.


Ali, who was represented by the Chief of Operations, Defence Headquarters, Major General Barry Ndiomu, said the donation was timely, especially with the challenges of battling terrorism in the North-east region.


While requesting for more assistance from the US. government, Ali said some of the vehicles were not serviceable and some without spare parts.


He said: "We appreciate what the US has done but like Oliver Twist, we will appreciate if more is done. The vehicles came without spare parts.


"Not all of them are serviceable. The US should provide the necessary spare parts to enable us repair those that need to be serviced."


Handing over the vehicles to the military, the US Defense Attaché to Nigeria, Colonel Patrick Doyle, who was represented by Ambassador James Entwistle, said the vehicles are to provide protection from explosives.


He said: "These vehicles provide increased protection from improvised explosive devices, roadside bombs, and small arms fire, while offering more maneuverability and better fuel economy than other types of APCs.


"The Nigerian military arranged for transportation from the port to Lagos. Nigeria is in the process of receiving an additional eight more MRAPs through this programme, valued at approximately $7.4 million.


"The Excess Defense Articles Programme is designed to transfer excess military equipment from the US to foreign governments or international organisations to help with modernisation of partner nation military capabilities.


"Through a similar programme, the U.S. government donated to the Nigerian Navy the NNS Okpabana in 2014 and NNS Thunder in 2012. The two ships have bolstered maritime security in Nigeria.


"Today's equipment donation represents part of the continuing US commitment to Nigeria and its neighbours to counter Boko Haram's senseless acts of terror and promote regional security.


"The US provides advisors, intelligence, training, logistical support, and equipment to our African partners as they work to defeat Boko Haram.


"We also support those affected by Boko Haram's violence through ongoing humanitarian aid and victim support services.
"The US will continue working with our partners in the region to identify new opportunities to restore order in the Lake Chad Basin region."

Posted: at 18-03-2016 11:03 AM (8 years ago) | Hero