Ex-National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki says they acquired sophisticated weapons during last administration, provides photos

Immediate past National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) has shared some photos of weapons bought by the last administration for the fight against Boko Haram.

In an interview with PR Nigeria, Dasuki said among the weapons purchased includes Alpha jets, APCs, MRAP vehicles, advanced artillery pieces, assorted arms and ammunition, highly sophisticated surveillance drones, T72 and modified F7 supersonic jet fighters and that all the equipment were purchased in the last one year.

He said the weapons were used to recover over 22 territories from Boko Haram and that they were able to stop Shekau from carrying out any of his threats before and after the general elections Dasuki whose Abuja home was raided by SSS Officers last month over allegations of misappropriation of funds meant for the purchase of weapons, said

"The armored tanks have comprehensive NBC protection system, just as we deployed Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles that we bought and could withstand improvised explosive device (IED) attacks and ambushes. The vehicles had protected our troops from the land mine threats. We are glad that we also provided assorted Armoured Personnel Carriers to transport troops to the battlefield. They are armed for self-defence and to provide protection from attacks from shrapnel and small arms fire. All these were acquired in the last one year after years of frustration by Western powers who denied us of the equipment and sabotage our efforts to acquire same from other sources which are reasons for some delay in delivery.”

According to him, some other arms already paid for by the previous administration are due to be delivered soon. He added that certain elements frustrated their efforts towards purchasing weapons.

“It was unfortunate that some elements are frustrating the efforts as we even had to query some suppliers for delay in delivery of arms and ammunition. We utilized some of these equipment to recover more than 22 local governments under Boko Haram terrorists and ensured that Shekau did not disrupt the 2015 election as he had threatened. Not only did we ensure that the elections were peaceful, Shekau has never spoken to threaten anyone again since then.” Responding to some of his critics, he said: “In attempt to rubbish individuals for whatever reasons, political or otherwise, we should be careful not to rubbish sensitive institutions and their personnel that might still be in active the service. It is unfortunate that some elements hide under the cover of anonymity in the media to rubbish some of the sacrifices we made. They should take the courage to come out publicly by identifying themselves with their baseless allegations. ”he said