Nigeria decides Chinese Therapy to counteract Boko Haram

On April 8, the Nigerian Army (NA) received an initial lot of 17 military vehicles bought from the China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO). The NA explained the emergency procurement to meet Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) in northern Nigeria.

The first batch consists of VT-4 main battle tanks (MBT), ST-1 wheeled anti-tank, and two models of self-propelled howitzers. The VT-4 MBT equipped with a CH1000B hydro-mechanical drive system, armed with a 125 mm smoothbore gun, shielded by an FY-4 reactive armor, and powered by a 1,300hp engine is a third-generation main battle tank, produced by NORINCO for export. It has also been sold to Thailand and got the appreciation of the Thai Royal Army.

The NA’s Chief of Policy and Plans (CPPLANS), Lieutenant General Lamidi Adeosun, revealed that Nigeria and the NORINCO signed a deal last year. The Nigerian Army is the first regional country armed with advanced tanks. In China, NA’s operating crews and maintenance teams have already followed introductory training courses. But, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a group of Chinese instructors shall delay their travel to Nigeria for further tactical exercise.

Boko Haram terrorist group is involved in skirmish and ambushes in the north of Nigeria. On March 4, 2020, Boko Haram terrorists attacked NA troops in Damboa (Borno State). The offenders attacked with Gun Trucks from three different fronts in the early hours. The national army reacted quickly in conjunction with the Air Task Force Operation LAFIYA DOLE. The fight represented one of the most relevant defeats of Boko Haram terrorists in a single clash in 2020. The national army seized AK 47 Rifles, one General Purpose Machine Gun, and one Rocket Propelled Gun tube.