Russia-Africa Summit: Nigeria purchases 12 Russia-made helicopters

Nigeria Wednesday signed up for 12 Russia-made military helicopters to be used in the fight against Boko Haram, an Islamic State-linked insurgency giving headache to Abuja since 2009.

Under the deal, Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSVTS) will deliver 12 Mi-35 helicopters to Nigeria.
The FSVTS did not reveal the value of the deal, signed on the sidelines of the first Russia-Africa summit.

Nigeria reportedly expressed interest to purchase the aircraft to be used in its fight against Boko Haram, in northeastern Nigeria.

South Africa, Cameroon and Eritrea have also reportedly expressed interest in Russian aircraft, tanks and heavy weaponry.

The Russia-Africa Summit, taking place in Sochi, is the first ever between the world giant and the African continent represented by dozens of heads of states and top diplomats.

Described as Russia’s official major foray into Africa since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, the conference is discussing bilateral cooperation in a wide array of sectors, including agriculture, security, nuclear energy and mineral extraction.

Launching the two-day gathering Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin insisted that Russia wants to place its collaboration with Africa under the banner of unconditional aid, with reference to the many conditions set by the Western powers in granting aid to the continent.

He indicated that his country hopes to increase by two folds trade exchange with Africa.

“We currently export to Africa $25 billion ($22.5 billion) worth of food — which is more than we export in arms, at $15 billion.
In the next four to five years I think we should be able to double this trade, at least,” he said.