• By Musa Bologi, Abuja

The Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru, is in Turkiye to facilitate speedy delivery of the T-129 ATAK helicopters acquired by the Federal Government.

Badaru’s visit would also strengthen partnership with the Turkish Government in intelligence and information sharing for mutual benefit.

A statement yesterday by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Henshaw Ogubike, said the minister was accompanied by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar.

The statement said Badaru also discussed and explored how best Nigeria can partner with Turkiye on the production of military hardware and equipment.

It reads: “The minister visited the Turkish Aerospace Industries in the capital city, Ankara, where he inspected various sections of the firm in charge of manufacturing modern military aircraft and other defence equipment. “While conducting him round the facility, the company CEO, Temel Kotel, said the industry was established in 1973 with the primary goal of manufacturing military aircraft, satellites, and unmanned aerial vehicles. The minister praised the company for its over five decades of successful venture.”

The Turkish Minister of Defence, Lt.-Gen. Yasar Guler (rtd), promised that the Turkish government would support the Nigerian government in its efforts to defeat terrorism and other criminal challenges.

The Federal Government procured six T-129 ATAK helicopters from Turkish Aerospace Industry, two of which had been delivered. Nigeria is expecting the others before the end of the Q2 2024.