Nigeria has taken delivery of VT-4 main battle tanks, SH-5 self-propelled howitzers and other equipment from China. The weaponry comes at a time when the West African nation requires to strengthen its land forces in the war against Boko Haram and the Islamic State.
The equipment was unloaded on 8 April and included VT-4 main battle tanks, SH5 105mm self-propelled artillery, and other items. It is said to have arrived in Nigeria last week and is part of a larger military arming initiative by the government that has been battling the insurgency for the better part of the decade.
Intelligence reports indicate that 17 vehicles were offloaded, including VT-4 main battle tank and ST1 light tanks. Photos confirm VT-4 and SH-5 vehicles were delivered.
In May 2019, Minister of Defence, Brigadier General Mansur Dan-Ali, said the Nigerian government had provided funding for the acquisition of modern equipment for the Nigerian armed forces, with some in service and others on the way. This included 35 main battle tanks, 25 Typhoon MRAPs (mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles), 10 Spartan armored personnel carriers, 20 Armoured Guard Booths, five armored mine-clearing vehicles, 50 troop-carrying vehicles, and 40 Buffalo vehicles, among others for the Nigerian Army.
