Africa

Nigeria shows off new air assets for Boko Haram fight

Associated Press
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In this photo taken Saturday, April. 22, 2017 Nigeria Airforce officers, display Ammunitions next to a fighter jet during an event to celebrate 53rd Anniversary of Nigeria Airforce in Makurdi, Nigeria. (AP Photo/ Sunday Alamba) (The Associated Press)

In this photo taken Friday, April. 21, 2017 Nigeria Airforce display their fire power during an event to celebrate 53rd Anniversary of the Nigeria Airforce at Kwenev air range, outskirts of Makurdi, Nigeria. (AP Photo/ Sunday Alamba) (The Associated Press)

In this photo taken Friday, April. 21, 2017 Nigeria Airforce fighter jets displays their fire power during an event to celebrate 53rd Anniversary of the Nigeria Airforce at Kwenev air range, outskirts of Makurdi, Nigeria. (AP Photo/ Sunday Alamba) (The Associated Press)

Nigeria's air force has shown off new assets it says will be used to combat the Boko Haram insurgency in its north and oil militants in its south.

The West African nation's air force over the weekend demonstrated a new attack helicopter during 53rd anniversary celebrations.

The chief of defense staff, Abayomi Gabriel Olonishakin, says the military now can "deliver appropriate firepower at the right time and at the right place."

The military also expects that the Trump administration will move forward with the sale of high-tech aircraft to Nigeria for its campaign against Boko Haram despite concerns over abuses committed by the African nation's security forces.

"We are highly impressed and knowing that this air force is now on the rise again," says retired air vice marshal O.C. Obierika.