The Russia Federation has agreed to partner with Nigeria to intensify the fight against terrorism in Nigeria and the Lake Chad basin region. The agreement was reached on Wednesday during a meeting between Russian Defence Minister, General Sergei Shoigu, and Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Mansur Dan-Ali, in Moscow.

According to Tukur Gusau, the Public Relations Officer to the Nigerian Minister of Defence, the officials signed a bilateral agreement on military cooperation and training among others.

The Russian Minister at the end of the meeting lauded efforts by the President Buhari-led administration in making the country and the region safe.

It should be recalled that Russian media recently announced plans by Nigeria to acquire 12 Su-30 fighter jets from Russia. Two of these jets have already been delivered. It is unclear how much these jets cost or how the Nigeria government intend to pay for them, as no public announcement has been made so far in this regard. However, given past transactions, a fighter jet can cost up to $30 million, News Agency of Nigeria reports.

Anita Fatunji