President Muhammadu Buhari has unveiled Made-in-Nigeria Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP), vehicles for Nigerian Army’s counter-terrorism and other operations across the nation.
The vehicles named Ezugwu MRAP were produced by the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), an indigenous firm, for the Nigerian Army, and launched by the President at the opening ceremony of the 2019 Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference on Tuesday in Kaduna.
Speaking at the event, President Buhari praised the gallant efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces in routing terrorists and combating insurgency in the on-going operations in the North East.
In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, the President pledged that his administration would continue to support the military to achieve its goals in addition to prioritizing their welfare and that of their families.
The Nigerian leader paid tribute to military personnel who had paid the supreme sacrifice in defending the sovereignty of the country.
He urged the soldiers to abide by the ethics, ethos, and Code of Conduct of the military, while ensuring that human rights and international humanitarian laws are promoted and respected in the conduct of military operations.
The President commended the laudable efforts of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen Tukur Buratai, in transforming the Nigerian Army.
President Buhari later inaugurated 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna.
The hospital was upgraded to a level four United Nations hospital to cater for the medical needs of the military and civilian population in the country.
In his message, the Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, said the state was privileged to play host to several military formations, units, schools, and establishments, noting that this was beneficial in fostering synergy between the military and civilians.
The Governor specifically commended the Nigerian Army for their role in sustaining peace and security in Kaduna State, enumerating their efforts at restoring peace and stability in Southern Kaduna, in addition to decimating the capacity of cattle rustlers and kidnappers operating in the state and its environs.
