Terrorism: Nigeria plans to buy three aircrafts from Czech Republic

The Federal Government is planning to acquire three aircrafts from the Czech Republic in its determination to curb terrorism in Nigeria.

The disclosure was made on Tuesday in Abuja by the Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro, while playing host to a delegation from Czech Republic, led by its Ambassador to Nigeria, Pavel Mike.

Also on the delegation was the Deputy Commander of Czech Airforce, Brigadier General Sebesta Jeromir.

Moro stated that there was the need for Nigeria to cooperate with the Czech Republic on issues of internal security and border management.

According to the Minister: “At the moment, Nigeria has been facing the problem of insurgency, especially in the North East.

“I am happy to know that as a result of my visit to Czech Republic and the willingness to cooperate with Nigeria in terms of fighting terrorism, that we have proposed to purchase from Czech Republic three aircrafts for border control and management.”

The visit, Moro added, was expected to further strengthen the desire and that with approval of the relevant authorities, Nigeria would be able to achieve soon the purchase of the aircrafts to compliment the effort of the Nigerian Immigration Service in combating cross border crimes and security of Nigeria.

He added: “In order to strengthen bilateral relation with the Republic of Czech, a committee was set up to design ways of implement series of agreements and Memorandum of Understanding that were signed between the Nigerian government and government of Republic of Czech.

“And so, on this visit, in furtherance of our desire to widen the horizon of cooperation between the Ministry of Interior and the Czech Republic, I wish to state the possibility of transfer of convicted prisoners, the possibility of visa waiver between Nigeria and Czech Republic, including diplomatic and official passports.”

Earlier, Mike told the minister that the visit was aimed at assisting Nigeria to curb terrorism.

He said: “We are here to accompany Nigeria in its struggle against the insecurity in the Northeast of the country.

“We are here to work together, to cooperate and as a friends without demand and without any requirement.”