The first batch of 17 military vehicles consisting of VT-4 main battle tanks and two types of self-propelled howitzers bought by the Nigerian Army from China recently arrived in the country, say the Chinese Government.
According to the Chinese Government here, the Nigerian Army made this emergency purchase to strike at Boko Haram Terrorists in northern Nigeria.
“The VT-4 MBT is a third-generation main battle tank built by the NORINCO for export. It uses CH1000B hydro-mechanical drive system, 125 mm smoothbore gun, FY-4 reactive armor, and 1,300hp engine. The tank has strong maneuverability, good protection performance, and strong firepower. It has been exported to Thailand and won recognition of the Thai Royal Army.”
The Nigerian Army Chief of Policy and Plans (CPPLANS) Lieutenant General Lamidi Adeosun said that Nigeria and the NORINCO signed a package contract last year.
Nigeria has become the first country in the region to own advanced tanks and is now fully prepared for the use and maintenance of the vehicles.
The Nigerian soldiers who will operate the tanks have been trained in China. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chinese instructors who originally planned to travel to Nigeria for further operation training are yet to be put into place for the time being, according to the Chinese Government.
Great so China’s increasing it’s influence in africa while we watch on.
Their influence is now far bigger than that as we can see by living in these terrible times. We must not forget that it comes from the top. Politicians and higher up interests cause wars.
Wait until they need parts all will be parked up in a year scrap. Due to no parts poor build quality.
Unfortunately Coronavirus is likely to be an even bigger threat to that part of Africa than the evil of Boko Haram. While tanks may combat the latter it’s wholly unclear what Africa can do about the former.
Its terrible but parts of Africa will end up being the placebo in this horrendous situation. I hope I’m wrong but without support many millions will be exposed to Covid-19 so we will see what would have happened without the lock down here and in the so called developed world.
Like in India we will never know the true horrors of this out break, the governments have no handle on what is really going on. Even South America its running rampant in areas with no clue on numbers.
The spread of this disease will certainly be known as the one we really had no true idea about actual figures, such different responses by different countries, how could we.
I wonder what role modern technology played making it a world wide pandemic.A hundred years ago this would have been a Chinese problem only.To day air travel spreads the wealth
I’ll put my hand up as not being an expert on fighting terrorist organisations in Africa but I wouldn’t have thought tanks would be the best option. Sure they’ll find a use for them somehow.
Guess these tanks will break down quickly so the Nigerian’s can use them for isolating Covid-19 patients…