As part of its commitment to boost the war against terrorism, the US promised to provide Nigeria with the vehicles and yesterday, they were handed over at the Army Cantonment in Ikeja, in Lagos State. Major General Barry Ndiomu received the vehicles, which were among those retrieved from Iraq and Afghanistan, on behalf of the ministry of defence.
Colonel Patrick Doyle, the US defence attaché at its embassy in Nigeria handed the vehicles over on behalf of Ambassador James Entwistle. They were presented as part of the US Excess Defence Articles Programme designed to transfer excess military equipment to foreign governments or international organisations to help with modernisation.
With the US withdrawing from Iraq and Afghanistan, the vehicles became available and the Nigerian Army said the move was timely given the security challenges it faces. Defence minister, Retired General Dan Ali, said the vehicles will go a long way in protecting troops against improvised explosive devices and help in the movement of men with little or no casualties.
He, however, stated that some of the vehicles were not serviceable and urged the United States to do more by providing the army with the spare parts to get them to be functional. It is not yet clear if Washington will heed this request by sending spare parts and engineers to assist the Nigerian Army.
General Ali 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 and not all of them are serviceable, so the US should provide the necessary spares to enable us repair those that need to be serviced.”
Col Doyle said it cost Nigeria $11m to transport the vehicles into the country. He stated that eight more of the vehicles will be shipped into Nigeria at an estimated cost of $7.4m.
“These vehicles provide increased protection from improvised explosive devices, roadside bombs and small arms fire, while offering more manoeuvrability and better fuel economy than other types of armoured personnel carriers. Nigeria is in the process of receiving an additional eight MRAPs through this programme, valued at approximately $7.4m.
“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.
According to Col Doyle, the vehicles were provided in the condition they were when Nigeria inspected them. He added that probably about half of them are in very good working condition but will need minor work done, while others will need some electrical work.
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