₦airaland Forum

MainJoe:
I am sorry but I can not commend gross incompetence. Because, the mismanagement of UK health system does not give any credence to gross ineptitude.

In Nigeria we have money released and donated to curb this virus. Yet, we are yet to see investment in where it is most needed. We have States, sitting on massive IGR and allocations refusing to open testing labs or set up quality isolation centres. Without private sector donating, lots of State would not even have isolation centres.

Until the federal government changes its policy on policing people and not the virus, I can not give them praise in any way.

Agreed.

But we are doing some things right and there are some people making a difference.

With regards to the money, this is a problem once money gets into the equation in Nigeria. It's like a demon takes over and we seek to misappropriate, irrespective of the sector or situation and impact on people.

Look at the Armed forces and young men left to die like chickens for lack of equipment . While our generals misappropriate and buy flats for themselves in Dubai.

Unfortunately MISAPPROPRIATION is always a factor in Nigeria. And the thing that kills us mostly.

Can a Leopard change its spots.

forgiveness:
Let us see how it goes. Actually, the minister of health gave reasons why at this time we can't test everybody. That's was during the press conference this week with the presidential task force. Did you watch it?

Lack of capacity Nigeria will not be able to carry out comprehensive testing unless we can manufacture the testing kits ourselves. And overnight upgrade our laboratory services across the country.

However, we have some things going for us the crazy hot baking sun, will barbecue Corona virus on surfaces and airborne after a few seconds. Add to that "Nobody One Die" that creates an attitudinal behaviour that self regulates with regards to social distancing, hygiene and face masks. And we have only 3 deaths.

Yet everyone is aware, responding and we are locking down, at least most people, we go suffer hunger etc but it's the price to pay.

The UK attitudinal approach is abysmal even after hundreds of deaths. People going around like "whaaten concern me" see picture below of tube jammed up, no face masks. I stopped entering the tube and going to London in early February. To me the signs were obvious.

So Nigeria will OVERTAKE and OVERCOME.

And after doing all you can do, Pray and pray.

People in the UK are generally Godless.

MainJoe:
To date, it (South Africa) has tested more than 47,000 people, although experts and health officials say that much more needs to be done to try and isolate infected individuals. Head of the Medical Research Council Glenda Gray told Quartz Africa that the country should be testing about 25,000 people a day. “We’re far behind.”

https://www.google.com/amp/s/qz.com/africa/1832066/coronavirus-covid-19-testing-in-south-africa-leads-continent/amp/

Nigeria is testing about 200 people a day. We have only 8 testing labs unlike South Africa that has over 67 mobile testing labs alone.

I doubt testing is going on in a place like Rivers State. It is baffling why we hinge on Lockdowns that will not keep us safe, over mass testing and isolation that will quickly curb the spread.

The reason is very simple, we simply do not have the capacity to do mass testing not even the testing of high risk groups.

In Nigeria we are testing the rich and political leaders. Just like the UK.

The UK supposed 5th largest economy in the world. Has been exposed a combination of poor leadership and long term strategic economic planning as well as poor infrastructural capacity.

Consider this 550,000 NHS staff only 2000 have been tested. The reality is that you are more likely to get the virus if you go to hospital from the staff.

In the UK for 6 weeks there has been no hand sanitiser available in the shops. Forget face mask that's not available either.

Why because in the name of globalisation (cheap article) they have outsourced everything. They don't make tooth picks in the UK not cost effective.

At least they are manufacturing hand sanitiser in Nigeria even government is giving it out for free with face masks. Maybe l should ny some in Nigeria and get it DHL to me here, absurd but that's the only way I'll get some.

With out little resources Nigeria is doing well, yes they could do better but the nation is pulling together and will overcome. I think Nigerians should be commended doing a lot from very little.

Kelvin30286063:
This topic will not get anywhere simply because, 95% of Nigerians can't afford their cars and the 5% that can won't go for it because they can't imagine spending 4 or 5 million on a Nigeria made car instead of Toyota which they are sure they will get the parts later.

Simple fact and the only reason why Innoson won't go far if they don't do something about their high price.

One question ❓ l wonder why the Chinese masters of poor quality copy cat engineering have been unable to sell thier cars in Europe an d North America, Russia, Asia, etc

But have found considerable Success in Africa and Nigeria. I know we have no stringent quality controls where vehicles are concerned in Africa and Nigeria. We know the very detailed quality control in the developed world.

My thoughts, l wonder why ❓

EgunMogaji2:
Buhari can encourage the purchase of made in Nigeria vehicle but he can’t pick IVM because there are other[b] assemblers also in Nigeria.[/b]

JAC, Foton, Nissan, etc

There the operative word.

Vehicle assembly plants not vehicle manufacturing plants. What's the % of local manufactured content.

It's a great way to bypass import duty and make greater profit when it's very debatable the impact on the economy.

Particularly where supporting component manufacturers are concerned.

Larryomooba:
After seeing this from a recent tweet made by Trump, I'm force to believe that President Buhari as actually not been in the fore Front of made in Nigeria goods, else the Nnewi Originated Vehicle(INNOSON Motors) should have been his Discuss in other to grow the naira and create jobs like he has always preached doing his 2015 Presidential campaign to diversify our Economy.

The tweet below;

One big difference when we say American made cars we are probably talking 95% local US manufactured content.

INNOSON is essentially rebadged Chinese assembled vehicles in Nigeria. What % of local Nigerian manufactured content is in a INNOSON vehicle ❓ Maybe the vehicle tyres, l dont know.

Great deceptive marketing for a Chinese vehicle.

nurey:
The Navigator isn't just any SUV it packs a punch in the suspension area and the steering isn't your average one, it has a special lock position mechanism that stops understeer or oversteer.

But all things being equal, every vehicle is a machine and has limit if you try to re-write laws of physics you will end up in a bad place no matter how overengineered the vehicle is

The Navigator is essentially a Ford Expedition with upgrades.

The air suspension is not like the Cayenne and or the Range Rover. It's not set up for performance driving on tarmac.

Not sure which year model you are talking about but it's still a truck. Anybody driving that briskly through corners, has a "DEATH WISH"

olumzzz:
What an analogy

But i wouldn't try negotiating bends with an SUV at 120, never will.

I have gone way faster in a Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG. Fast enough to have lost my license.

It really depends on the bend thier are bends and there are bends, " bend get grade"

princemillla:
Swift..... Lovely.


What about the random videos online where army are dragging dead bodies.


The oath you took befor being absorbed into the military is to guide and protect the country and its citizen. Why break it??

Totally and completely false news and disinformation.

If you pay attention to detail you can see that they are in Francophone African country.

The number plates on the HGV is not from Nigeria. The soldiers uniforms are not Nigerian, from the terrain and language look more like either Cameroon or Congo.

Joebie:
There are very few players in football history that are usually marked by not 2, 3 alone but 4 or even more players at a time in a game. If only Okocha played less for fun, he would be among football’s greatest in terms of achievement as well.

Agreed without reservation.

somehow:
Roll call for our members in the US, UK and elsewhere.

Tbaba, Komeka and co, we want to be sure you guys are safe over there. The number countries like UK, US, Spain, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Netherland and the rest are pulling (Convid-19) is kinda alarming.

We need you guys to post here o, so we'd be sure you guys are safe.

May we not lose anyone to this virus!

I deh my house oh, remote working although even with work things have gone very slow.

I started self isolation in February, i wasn't waiting for the governments advice before taking my own precautions, so when LOCKDOWN was stipulated and enforced i was already ahead.

Odunayaw:
If forensics is done on the past 30 pages of the thread, barely 5 will be useful in content. Keep it together people! This breakdown is much

Agreed without any iota of reservation

Derailed into nonsensical, rubbish.

kabe1:
What is the wisdom of telling lies?

The purpose of this discourse I presume is to inform and educate.

Its not to get into inconsequential arguments over nothing and to make unguarded derogatory comments. To allege that some one is telling lies , but with no basis WHY Please try and be a gentleman and do not lower standards of etiquette here please.

You have lost sight of the core question, which is simply, is this the best use of our very scarce resources.

The fact remains that before those 12 turbo prop planes get here in 2-4 years it will cost us total $600.

You are essentially saying that Bidexiii, S400, Myself and a few others are telling lies, our position is substantiated with multiple US government departments and agencies the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), being one of them.

You are not covering yourself in glory

kabe1:
Did you bother opening the link I shared?

The vanguard source❓

That is a newspaper report not a USA state department information gazetted bulletin.

The term l used was substantiate, that's why l said two way sources USA and Nigerian.

But it's not particularly important, we know that whole cost is $600 million of which we will not see any of these aircraft being deployed for some years to come. And according to some we have paid but we have nothing to show.

Which brings us back to the core subject, is this the most judicious use of our very scarce resources for best value and greatest delivery impact❓ . In the context of the SE and our most pressing need at the moment.

We are getting ripped by Boko and we need aircraft like yesterday and someone has paid $600 million for aircraft that we will not see at least for 2 years maybe more. CHEI !!!

Is that wisdom.

kabe1:
Nigeria has fully paid for the Super Tucano.

We did not pay 600 million for it like you earlier insinuated.

Who told you that?

Are you able to substantiate that position with sources from both ends Nigerian and US.

Finally, where are they❓

And do you think that is the best use of o very scarce resources. Paying for planes that will not be delivered until 2024.

Considering the dire state our armed forces find themselves in the SE, can anybody call that wisdom.

jln115:
It was $329 mil to be precise, definitely not $600 mil

Below is an excerpt from one of the most prolific contributors on this thread Bidexiii.


In August 2017, the US State Department approved the sale of the 12 A-29 Super Tucano, spares, support equipment and services, and associated weapons for $593 million to the Nigerian Air Force .

I had read a report on this but can't be bothered trying to find it.

But l am not the only one with that view of costing of $600 million.

Do you think this procurement is " Best Value " and the most effective use of our very scarce resources.

nemesis8u:
Ok

The video u posted shows soldiers taking potshots at fixed targets from an elevated position and having a good time at it while a guy going PR talking about Barrett AMR rifle. And that's is.

So can you for educational purpose clarify how the video u posted in anyway debunks my points as u claimed the video did.


Here they are ( copied as it for ur ease , focus and obviously to keep matters in context )


1. Bro It takes very long time to make a sniper . Many don't make it. Already trained combatant will need to be untrained inorder to be retrained as a sniper. Incase you did not know when a infantry soldier trained in conventional warfare is deployed in CT/CI role , he is untrained and retrained for CT/CI ops before deployment. Otherwise his chance of getting killed is very high.

2. All special forces will require a good degree of sniper skill ? . Sniper skills don't grow on trees . Either u have or u don't . And majority don't have it. What ur proposing is akin to putting one leg each in two boats and in the still end up drowning even though one had 2 boats in their disposal. SF troopers have designated specialised roles . There are no allrounders. Making a dedicated sniper is hard enough , forget about all SFs. At best one can hope for is few select troopers in DMR role.

3. Snipers USP is element of surprise and stealth. BH mostly relies on hit and run ambush , in such a case how will a sniper deploy when he/his unit itself gets surprised due to ambush while being on patrol or even in a open defensive position. In real life snipers cannot operate in optimal mode in a chaotic situation with his position at the risk of getting over run. Just think the people well protected inside a T72 tank are hard pressed to get a shot off against swarming enemies . And you expecting a sniper to hold position against the same and shot down enemies successfully. Not saying it can't be done , but u will loose good many of the snipers in the bargain.

4. Also in real life a single high calibre bullet fired from a sniper rifle don't guarantee that it will penetrate the engine , sometimes bullet even armour piercing ones simply deflect. Untill the car stops u will need to keep firing.



Plz give a point by point rebuttal if u want that's is .

The short video is not intended to be comprehensive just indicative.

I am not here to prove I know more than anybody, that would be stupidity.

You are entitled to your opinion.

I have nothing to prove.

kabe1:
This is a false statement, Nigeria did not buy 12 Super Tucanos for $600 million.

Even when we are angry let us always speak the truth.

Paying attention to detail is an act of intelligence and the best way to get knowledge.

You have jumped before you look.

At what point did l say we have bought these aircraft. See my statement in blue.

In actual fact the aircraft are still not procured but there has been a formalised request with costing responses. These aircraft will not come in box immediately, probably take 24 months for completion. That's too much too late IMO. There has also been a lot of controversial discourse about whether payment was approved by the NA. I don't think we have the money anymore as it stands.


Quite recently well last 18 months a lot of talk went into the procurement from the USA of 12 Super Tucano A29 light attach aircraft.

ZombiePUNISHER:
You will also claim not to be a supporter of the dullard whose only achievement in office is to come on TV once in a while and show us that he's still alive...

Disinformation sorry.

He has not come on TV to do that you have to come in person and be live.

Rather he has sent a prerecorded edited video that was broadcasted on TV.

The plain truths.

Where is Buhari, nobody seems to know.

Topic for discussion and question.

Quite recently well last 18 months a lot of talk went into the procurement from the USA of 12 Super Tucano A29 light attach aircraft.

Cost of procurement for 12 aircraft $600 million.

It's been presented by quite a few as the game charger we need in the SE to completely turn the tide in this seemingly never ending war.

Is this " best value " and best use of our very limited resources for the greatest impact and best outcome delivery.

If you do agree why ❓ and if you don't what would be your alternative procurement model and or approach.

Odunayaw:
Right. I was talking about his teaching in Nigeria

He taught at university in the East of Nigeria and l stayed thier with him during the holidays when I came back from boarding school in Warri.

That's why l can speak Igbo.

Toju200:
I sense betrayal....... What a huge loss...
They new they were coming
Leaked info
There's an insider..


At least 70 Nigerian soldiers killed in jihadist ambush: military sources
By AFP
24 March 2020 | 10:06 am




At least 70 Nigerian soldiers were killed in an ambush on their convoy by jihadist fighters in the restive northeast, military and security sources said on Tuesday.
Insurgents fired rocket-propelled grenades at a lorry carrying troops as it travelled near Gorgi village in Borno state on Monday, two military officers told AFP without giving their names.
“It was a huge loss, at least 70 soldiers have perished in the ambush,” one of the officers said.
“The terrorists specifically targeted a truck loaded with soldiers with RPGs and incinerated the vehicle, killing all on board,” a second official said.
“So far 70 bodies have been recovered but the toll is certainly more than that as the rescue operation is still underway.”
Several soldiers were injured and some others were taken captive by the jihadists, the two officers said.
A spokesman for the Nigerian army told AFP that he was unable to comment on the reported attack.
The convoy had left regional capital Maiduguri on its way to launch an offensive on a camp belonging to jihadists affiliated to the Islamic State group in the area, a member of a government-backed militia fighting the insurgents told AFP.
The Islamic State West Africa Province faction split from Boko Haram insurgents in 2016 and has focused on attacking troops, raiding bases and laying ambush on military convoys.
The group has been accused of increasing attacks on civilians and taking hostages at bogus checkpoints on main roads in the region.
The decade-long conflict has killed 36,000 people and displaced 1.8 million in the northeast of Nigeria.
Fighting has also spilt over into neighbouring countries, prompting the formation of a regional military coalition to fight the insurgents.

I don't know of you have spent time in the bush. These are areas that are sparsely populated and quite. And as a result a little noise travels a long way.

The modus operandi of the NA is to go in large convoys, quite often on well trodden pathways and or roads.

We will not presume that Boko are blind as bats and even if they are they can probably hear you coming a long way off.

Imagine the noise a convoy of Big MRAP's and Huge big yellow dumpster trucks make struggling to get through the rough and undulating terrain. You might as well announce your arrival with a trumpet. They boko will definitely have look outs and yes Boko have basic drones.

Then how attractive is the slow moving immobile big YELLOW HIGH UP dumpster truck to Boko trained and untrained fighters with an RPG7, even with steel sights. What is going to be the easiest target �❓ THE BIG YELLOW DUMPSTER

If you don't have spatial situational awareness to comb the area around you in a slow moving convoy. What's the RESULT you drive right into the kill zone.

You don't need any insider information, you don't need fifth columnists and traitors within allegedly to set this up. You have essentially set yourself up.

Look at how the French operate in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. It will explain why they have such few casualties over the past 7 years.

My two penny opinion.

Odunayaw:
Your father is no more a Lecturer too?

My Dad taught microbiology at a university in the UK before coming to Nigeria.

At the same time he was an officer in the British army, specifically biological and chemical warfare programme.

Although l know all the regiments he served at, l had no knowledge of the details or depth of the programme, defensive or offensive.

Just to satisfy your curiosity and so you don't make wrong assumptions.

It's not as popular now but in my time it was very common for university students to enrol in reserve officer training. For one it gets you extra money in your pocket as well as very exciting times.

However, the last 20 years has seen the trend not so attractive. Because you know you are going to get deployed, and well that might not be so funny.

nemesis8u:
Nowadays I rarely feel like contradicting anybody.

Still let's do it.

Bro It takes very long time to make a sniper . Many don't make it.

Already trained combatant will need to be untrained inorder to be retrained as a sniper.

Incase you did not know when a infantry soldier trained in conventional warfare is deployed in CT/CI role , he is untrained and retrained for CT/CI ops before deployment. Otherwise his chance of getting killed is very high.

All special forces will require a good degree of sniper skill ?

Sniper skills don't grow on trees . Either u have or u don't . And majority don't have it.

What ur proposing is akin to putting one leg each in two boats and in the still end up drowning even though one had 2 boats in their disposal.

SF troopers have designated specialised roles . There are no allrounders.

Making a dedicated sniper is hard enough , forget about all SFs.

At best one can hope for is few select troopers in DMR role.

Snipers USP is element of surprise and stealth.

BH mostly relies on hit and run ambush , in such a case how will a sniper deploy when he/his unit itself gets surprised due to ambush while being on patrol or even in a open defensive position.

In real life snipers cannot operate in optimal mode in a chaotic situation with his position at the risk of getting over run.

Just think the people well protected inside a T72 tank are hard pressed to get a shot off against swarming enemies . And you expecting a sniper to hold position against the same and shot down enemies successfully. Not saying it can't be done , but u will loose good many of the snipers in the bargain.

Also in real life a single high calibre bullet fired from a sniper rifle don't guarantee that it will penetrate the engine , sometimes bullet even armour piercing ones simply deflect. Untill the car stops u will need to keep firing.

Real life is different from Hollywood movies.

Simplest solution from a military perspective is a IFV/APC/MPV with cage armour .

Allows to engage and disengage at will , while providing fighting chance of survival to the troops during the same.

The dicon APC/MPV name I can't recall, slap a good cage armour on it and it will do the job to a good extent. Make it a standard issue along with Ara. And install a good RWS with 20mm autocannon.

2nd subject perspective response to your post.

Keep matters in context.

Which is " Best Value" and most effective use of resources for the best delivery outcome.

The context was the situation the outstanding general Adeniyi found himself. And the general terrain of the Sahel savanna and the limitations of the heavy MRAP's without run flat tyres, remote weapon stations and soft skinned pick up trucks. Essentially no precision weaponry.

It's obvious you have not shot a rifle with an optic sight, hence your deduction. Furthermore, you baseline data emanates it seems from the NA not very comprehensive.

Below a near official video from US army infantry that debunks your all your claimed knowledge about sniper training and capability.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUvvXWGNnDg

A 50 Cal. Sniper rifle will not just penetrate the engine block but mangle it completely up in one shot.

Boko gun trucks in Sambisa Sahel savanna are not on tarmac but rough terrain and can't go more than 10 mph, that's slow and with continuous stops to climb over gullys and undulations in the terrain.

MRAP's too big too heavy for the terrain and without any precision weaponry no remote weapons stations. Are not fit for purpose and a liability, particularly as the lead vehicles in a frontal assault.

Precision is everything or you just expend ammo with very little impact.

The NA doesn't have a definitive IFV in its armoury that's unacceptable.

nemesis8u:
Nowadays I rarely feel like contradicting anybody.

Still let's do it.

Bro It takes very long time to make a sniper . Many don't make it.

Already trained combatant will need to be untrained inorder to be retrained as a sniper.

Incase you did not know when a infantry soldier trained in conventional warfare is deployed in CT/CI role , he is untrained and retrained for CT/CI ops before deployment. Otherwise his chance of getting killed is very high.

All special forces will require a good degree of sniper skill ?

Sniper skills don't grow on trees . Either u have or u don't . And majority don't have it.

What ur proposing is akin to putting one leg each in two boats and in the still end up drowning even though one had 2 boats in their disposal.

SF troopers have designated specialised roles . There are no allrounders.

Making a dedicated sniper is hard enough , forget about all SFs.

At best one can hope for is few select troopers in DMR role.

Snipers USP is element of surprise and stealth.

BH mostly relies on hit and run ambush , in such a case how will a sniper deploy when he/his unit itself gets surprised due to ambush while being on patrol or even in a open defensive position.

In real life snipers cannot operate in optimal mode in a chaotic situation with his position at the risk of getting over run.

Just think the people well protected inside a T72 tank are hard pressed to get a shot off against swarming enemies . And you expecting a sniper to hold position against the same and shot down enemies successfully. Not saying it can't be done , but u will loose good many of the snipers in the bargain.

Also in real life a single high calibre bullet fired from a sniper rifle don't guarantee that it will penetrate the engine , sometimes bullet even armour piercing ones simply deflect. Untill the car stops u will need to keep firing.

Real life is different from Hollywood movies.

Simplest solution from a military perspective is a IFV/APC/MPV with cage armour .

Allows to engage and disengage at will , while providing fighting chance of survival to the troops during the same.

The dicon APC/MPV name I can't recall, slap a good cage armour on it and it will do the job to a good extent. Make it a standard issue along with Ara. And install a good RWS with 20mm autocannon.

You really don't know anybody's background here.

We are all anonymous in general.

Over 20 +years ago the first military armoured vehicle l was introduced too in the British army as a cadet was a Scorpion tank. Shocked to see we still have them in our NA inventory today.

My Father was an officer in the British army at the time.

Leaving a huge gap between then and now you can speculate but, l will not say anymore. You may thnk that I am an exuberant teenager that's spent too much time on PS4.

Although in most Western modern armies a lot of virtual training goes on similar platforms. Simulated to hone shooting skills. ATGM training is done predominantly virtually. So it's not exactly a great endictment.

A few summers ago met up with some British Marines who were reservists. But did private security consultancy for oil companies in Nigeria. They had a good insight into delivery gaps in both training and equipment in the Nigerian military.

You can also call me a liar, l know and have talked too quite a few senior officers in the NA.

So l am not speaking from an over active imagination or from watching Hollywood films.

GabrielYulaw:
We are talking about killing technicals here, not destroying an Abrams or a Leopard. In that case we don't really need to buy the most sophisticated and expensive ATGMs. Second Gen Soviet or Chinese SACLOS variants should be more than sufficient. Expensive they are not.

You advocate for snipers and that is good. But do remember that the terrorists use from 20 to 50 gun trucks to assault a base. Even if our snipers shoot like gods, I don't think they can eliminate all opposing gun trucks before coming in range of counter fire. And even if they eliminate all the trucks, what about the troops they carry? Are our snipers going to shoot and kill them one by one and are the terrorists going to stand there as they get shot?
I like your idea, but snipers alone won't cut it. It must be combined with other forms of overwhelming fire to freak out and terrorize the enemy.

By the way, my favorite sniper rifles are the Sako TRG, the Barrett M95 and M99. Would buy these if I live in American and can get the license

Back to my main overriding base line, "Best Value"

How much is a ATGM cheapest you will get is the Ukrainian RK-3 "Corsar and you are talking 6 figures $+. There are other cheaper derived ATGM but nothing less than $30k But thier ability to operate in hostile terrain as well as reliability very questionable.

I don't know what your background is but battlefield management is also about best and most effective use of resources available to you.

Most British army officers end up in senior management positions a skills transfer that's very relevant and applicable to modern business.

The cost of one ATGM fire and forget can get you 20 to 35 High powered precision 50 Cal. Sniper rifles.

Under no circumstances should Boko be able to gather 50 gun trucks to bear on a NA position. I have my doubts. 15 maybe 20 at max.

An SAS team operating behind enemy lines in Iraq just one fire team was able to disable dozens of ISIS Technicals attacking Yazidis. In the hands of trained operator a very effective deterrent.

GabrielYulaw:
I agree with you on some points and disagree in others. Yes, PMB is not up to date with current weapons systems and strategies. I doubt he can recognize a Kriss Vector or a Verba manpad.

You are however forgetting many things. First, ATGM guidance differs. Those that are wire-guided might have difficulty tracking in the Sahel. The same does not however hold true for laser or radar-guided ATGMs.
Second, snipers are a very precious asset. There are very few of them and I don't think its possible for each firebase to have one. Even if snipers are provided in each firebase, the assaulting technicals are never still and as they advance will bounce, shake, rattle and roll. Getting a hit in this case under the heat of battle is unlikely. Even more, these technicals assault from all direction. How can a sniper take them all out in the few minutes before they close to knife fighting distance?

If it was up to me, I would equip each firebase with plenty of short range rocket launchers like the Vasilesk automatic mortar or better still the Type 63 short range rocket artillery, and no these are not expensive. My main objective would be to hold the enemy at bay and prevent them from approaching closer than 200 meters. To do that I would be launching barrages of mortars and rocket arty and calling air support as needed.

Frankly, I don't know why the NA does not think this to be necessary, but in my opinion each firebase must have enough firepower to hold off and defeat an enemy 10x its size. That is not all that difficult to do since the enemy in this case is out in the open and visible to drones, satellites and overflights.

As for rifle with sights, I of course agree with that. The NA should phase out all its AK 47 rifles and gift them to the police. Why should the SSS and Prison Services be carrying Tavors and ARX 160 rifles with optical scopes and other accessories when the NA is carrying obsolete rifles that are barely accurate past 200 meters. Better vests, night vision googles and more are needed too.

Now, to those we say we don't have the money for all these, I say they don't know what they are talking about. Each year we lose billions of dollars due to this insurgency. The loss comes from investors who run from what is seen as a conflict-ridden country, to loss of properties and tax revenue. Then there's IDP and these are a massive drain on our resources.
Our lack of success in this insurgency also leads to loss of respect in the comity of nations and fosters instability across much of the north and even in other countries. I am in support of borrowing to get the equipment we need to successfully prosecute the war, but the issue is that all the money previously borrowed and spent were misspent and mostly embezzled. Imagine buying third hand T-72s and selling it for the price of a T-90 and that is what precisely happened, and will continue to happen because money must be made and Dubai accounts must be bought.

If you remember my over riding consideration is "Best Value" and that is tied into best use of resources for the greatest impact and delivery outcome.

It doesn't take that long for an already trained combatant to add the proficiency of being a sniper to his skill set.

All special forces will require as a pre- requisite, a good degree of the sniper skill set.

How much does one modern ATGM and how much are two 50 Cal. bullets. The terrain is very rough top speed of a technical in that terrain is 10mph mos likely a lot less.

At 750 metre any trained operator will have a 100% accuracy hit rate on the engine block of any gun truck (technical). The next hit will be on the reicever housing. That renders the DHsK or whatever derivative of HMG being used totally useless and destroys it.

That's a cost effect tactical approach that soldiers can easily adopt if given the right equipment in this case a M82 Berretta.

Back to cost, efficacy and therefore best value.

A 50 Cal rifle with a suppressor and thermal night optical sight, how much will a good one cost? Question of where you want to procure.

You could get a Serbian M93 from the region of $5k+ to over $10k for the Barratt M82A1. Add accessories can be bit more.

Then how much is just one modern ATGM whether Russian or German sourced you are talking in excess of $100k possibly double.

So considering our peculiar position of having money but not willing to spend ot in our soldiers.

What's the best option and best value ❓

My two penny opinion.

Finally, IMO you should have one for every platoon of soldiers, that's one for every 15- 20 soldiers.

do4luv14:
Oshare how you see our state govt and his handling of this covid and sit at home

In my opinion if you wait for Federal government to save you go die.

However, some state governments have been very proactive and strategic in thier approach.

But then the USA response has been abysmal too much too late. The UK give has not been much better.

The difference is INDIVIDUALS who have taken thier destiny in thier own hands.

In my opinion Nigerians have shown much more responsibility than the individuals in the UK.

Well done to the majority of our people who are contending with multi faceted issues.

Danielnino00:
Using the following criteria:
1) Performance at national team level (super Eagles only)

2) performance at club level

3) individual accolades won

Comply a list of the 5 greatest Nigerian players of all time...

I'll go first

1) Nwankwo Kanu
2) Jay Jay Okocha
3) Rashid Yekini
4) John Mikel Obi
5) Vincent Enyeama.

Let's go there... Safarigirl, Andrewbaba444, icon4s darkelf/blueelf tbaba1234 Odunayaw Thesupernerd Chriskels Enomakos Bascovanveli Chrisooblog do4luv14, Joebi Komekn Thegoodjoe daveP and other distinguished members of the thread....

1. Rashidi yekini
2. John Mikel Obi
3. Victor Ikpeba
4. Jjay Okocha
5. Kanu nwankwo

somehow:
Its because we Nigerians like showboating and flashy stuffs, so anyone that can dribble becomes our fave!

Hit the nail directly on the head.

End product is not the paramount consideration in Nigerian football.

ecomog1990:
Nig. Army needs fleets of fit for CT-COIN small size night combat capable tanks before ISWAP kill us finish with RPG barrage, 100 fired against one single NA unit ! Also true NA needs 30mm or 25mm gunner IFV fleets to kill insurgents' vehicle forces after tanks absorb frontal attack heavy fires from the enemy. APCs not needed if NA upgrades our MRAP and Up-Armoured Toyota Land Cruiser 4WD all to arm up 14.5mm guns, air-mobile QRF units, and long range-high endurance light patrols to dominate all high risk Nigerian territories N.E to N.W. and for terrains too soft for tanks or IFVs ride.

ATGM is like Nigerian Army is cursed by witchcraft not to buy them for use against BHT and ISWAP anti-aircraft gun trucks killing us daily.

Maj. Gen. Adeniyi's viral video is a big lesson for all Nigerians, he had NAF response CAS helicopter gunship engaging the enemy and yet the helicopter gunship could not eliminate dozens upon dozens of insurgent gun trucks in CQB and constant repeated waves of insurgents' attacks round the clock, that's where IFV fleet on ground is best solution to win on ground by staying 24/7 on ground carrying our soldiers into hot battle under armour protection and with 30mm or 25mm rapido fire cannons in support against these newly capable enemies very mobile on ground.

This war is again starting afresh, NA redeployed dozens of top brass officers to avoid sack of service chiefs demanded by frustrated citizens and angry law makers. True some big elites profiting money from this war are prolonging it, but true also, its because our president is not using his full powers brilliantly, to choose vital or key equipment and lead their procurement , meet with, sign contract, hand give payment cheques to fellow Presidents Putin and Jinping, then demand live videos of deliveries at sea port, air port, Borno frontline, as proof same major new equipment all arrived war zones. He appoints key commanders, fire any for average performance after setting high standard of performance for all frontline commanders.

Seeing President Deby of Chad carry 9mm side arm wear camo enter battle leading his army against ISWAP after 92 Chadian officers and men were KIA in few hours, I think Nigerian Army Chief of Staff should copy that and leave admin ceremonial works to lead his troops into battle, I think Lt. Gen. T.Y. Buratai should take over and lead that very same regiment Maj. Gen. Adeniyi led (before HQ redeployed him) and was hammered by insurgents with over 100 mortar shells, 100 RPG rockets, flanked by 15 x 2 gun trucks with AAA/HMG, and so let him be our army leader practically​ in battle, national duty calls, please show loyalty sir.

For P. M. Buhari now too old for the field, let him handle all major new army weapons procurement directly by himself, stop this buying of ineffective equipment prolonging this war, if he lacks modern procurement ideas, someone here mentioned that guy they call Beegeagle, I Googled his details, let President Buhari hire him as new procurement technical adviser, then I think we can hope to end this war in 24 months.

My 2 Kobo Suggestions.

I don't agree with you.

Unfortunately just like many of our university Professors not all, they get lazy and use the same notes for decades. Don't improve or update thier knowledge base and think research grants are used to enrich themselves.

In this regard l would say that PMB is the same hr is not conversant with contemporary strategy and weaponry. Consider the difference between DOS and Windows in IT. That's how far apart they are.

I start off from the position of "best value" and greatest impact for minimal cost. We simply don't have the money.

When you are surrounded by Technicals mounted with the obligatory Dhsk or similar 12.7mm HMG. You have several options.

The Sahel savanna is covered with small trees and thick shrubs. Very difficult to get direct hit so ATGM's will have greater efficacy from the air not the ground.

You might consider the RPG it's effective range is more like 300 metres there are limitations. After that highly inaccurate.

If 100 RPG's are targetted at you and they all landed nobody will be standing to tell the story. Only a few, if that will get through they are also hampered by the obstructions of shrubs and small trees in the Sahel savanna. But they create great terror and keep you at bay or pinned down.

Back to the Technicals that are not mounted with stabilisers and are great at spreading terror. But not particularly accurate beyond 400 metres. They can keep you pinned down, if you have don't have precision weaponry to respond with.

A trained operative with a 50 Cal. M82 Berretta or similar in 25 minutes. Will at even 1000 metres take out the engine blocks i.e. engine kaput of each of those Technicals. That essentially immobilises them and they can't move, if he is really good he can also disintegrate the gun itself.

If the troops around him who can easily take cover in the Sahel. Have optic sights on thier assault rifles, grenade launchers and night vision then they will have overriding advantage. Unfortunately they do not.

That means the very heavy and immobile MRAPS can take up frontal assault positions and advance. Unfortunately, they don't have a remote weapons station, with FLIR and target acquisition soft Ware. Combatants are using steel sights not even optical, so the precision is limited.

These very cheap and cost effective additions are the game chargers in combat effectiveness and giving soldiers the advantage.

We send soldiers on expensive training courses then give them AK47 without optic sights. It's like sendind someone on a car racing course after training with high powered super cars and then om his return we give him a Toyota Camry "Spider" and expect him to win the race.

My two penny view.

ugo4u:
The army has no business using Toyota vehicles in the northeast, it's an embarrassment, rather than buy Toyota we should use that money and buy second hand Humvees from US used during the Iraq war, though it has its own flaws, it's far better than Light skin vehicles.
The Humvees can even be given to us free because the US has decommissioned it and are dashing some of their allies in West Africa..
Again, we're not serious tomorrow they'll sign another multi million dollar deal to purchase another set of Toyota light skin. We can even meet proforce/ Innoson to replicate the Humvees with better ballistic characteristics, but guymen must cashout.
The army knows what they want believe you me there are very smart guys both at the officer cadre and NCO cadre but corruption no dey let us to the right thing.

Agreed with the pain of a bitter truth.

How much do you think the NA procure one toyota gun truck for ? My estimation at least $45k could be a lot more.

Then ask yourself how much does a used APC cost ? In management the word "best value" always comes up and best use of resources for the most effective delivery outcomes.

Having that thought in mind and as a comparison with the notion of "best value" consider what we paid the Chinese for those re-modelled Mig 21's the FN-7and how reliable they have been and effective. Then compare that to the 20 year old + Alpha Jets. Then ask the question which has been "best value" most reliable and effective.

The problem goes back to seeking the best deal for individuals as opposed to whats "best value" and fit for purpose for the NAF.