President Bola Tinubu has requested the supply of used helicopters from Germany to boost intelligence reconnaissance operations in the Sahel region.
Tinubu made the request during a 10-minute telephone conversation on Wednesday afternoon with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, according to a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga. The two leaders agreed to deepen bilateral relations and strengthen collaboration in the areas of security, power and railway development. “The Sahel corridor is bad and needs our support. Intelligence support reconnaissance is needed,” Tinubu told Merz, after both expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the region. The statement did not indicate whether the request was granted.
The discussion also covered Nigeria’s Presidential Power Initiative aimed at improving electricity supply nationwide. Tinubu said Nigeria requires assistance with power transmission, while Merz reportedly pledged that Siemens would provide support in that regard. According to the statement, Deutsche Bank also expressed willingness to finance the project as part of enhanced economic cooperation between both countries.
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