Nigeria to fight Boko Haram terrorist organisation with Hungarian aircraft

Photo: premiumtimesng.com

MagnusAircraft has made a deal with the commander-in-chief of the Nigerian Air Force to sell propeller planes manufactured by the aircraft factory based in Pécs.

In 2020, the Nigerian Air Force purchased 23 fighter aircraft from the United States, which were already used in action against the insurgence of armed criminal groups in the state of Kaduna.

The Air Force also announced that the country plans to strengthen its relations with Hungary in the field of training pilots, maintenance, and upkeeping of aerial equipment, as well as in the setting up and configuration of exploratory and surveillance systems.

Endre Déri, an honorary consul to Nigeria, and László Boros, the general manager of MagnusAircraft, met with Sadique Abubakar, the Chief of Air Staff of the Nigerian Air Force, and together they visited the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology.

24.hu reached out to László Boros, who confirmed that the aircraft factory has indeed reached an agreement with the Air Force on the delivery of propeller aircraft used for civilian and surveillance purposes, together with the training of Nigerian pilots in Hungary. According to Boros, the number of planes delivered is between 20 and 50; negotiations are currently in process regarding the quantity.

Magnus Aircraft, photo: Facebook

The appearance of MagnusAircraft in Africa is not a novelty as the company has a subsidiary in Kenya.

Using propeller aircraft in combat in African countries in conflicts comes mostly from economic reasons. Operating a fighter helicopter costs 6,000 dollars an hour, while that of a propeller aircraft only costs 60.

Boros also denied that the planes sold would be equipped with a weapon system for Nigeria to use in the battle against armed criminal organisations,

such as Boko Haram, for instance. According to Nigerian sources, the aircraft, however, could be armoured by the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology and the Nigerian weapon factory found in the state of Kaduna, for aerial support and exploratory missions.

Endre Déri, the honorary consul to Nigeria, added that the agreement signed with MagnusAircraft is only the first step towards cooperation with the Nigerian Air Force. Sadique Abubakar, the Chief of Air Staff, will pay a visit to Hungary in March, to conclude negotiations on the matter of training pilots in Hungary, as well as on the supervision of MiG-29 fighter aircraft and Mi attack helicopters.

Armed conflicts are an ongoing issue in Nigeria. In the northern states, the activity of the terror organisation of the Islamic State, Boko Haram, has been intensifying during the past months, while in the middle area of the country, armed groups attack civilians.

Nigeria is not the only country that goes abroad to buy aircraft perfect for their purposes. Hungary has recently bought two military transport aircraft from Brazil.