President Bola Tinubu has implored the Nigerian military and other security agencies to intensify efforts to contain the multi-dimensional security challenges in the country.
He restated his administration’s continued support for the nation’s security forces, through the modernization of fleets, training, and welfare of personnel.
The President gave the charge on Tuesday, during the induction ceremony of two TK-129 ATAK helicopters, and a King Air 360i aircraft, at the Nigeria Air Force, (NAF) Base, Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
President Tinubu, who was represented at the event by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, recalled the commissioning and induction of four additional Diamond-62 surveillance aircraft into the arsenal of the Nigerian Air Force, about two months ago, saying it is a symbol of his government’s enduring commitment to the ideals of patriotism, and investment in the nation’s security.
Delivering the President’s address, VP Shettima noted that the acquisition of helicopters and aircraft had become necessary, to improve the strategic use of air power, in combating terrorism, insurgency, and other security challenges, plaguing the nation.
He urged the nation’s security forces to step up their game.
President Tinubu said he does not doubt that the deployment of the platforms would add impetus to the combat efficiency of the Nigerian Air Force in addressing the nation’s contemporary security challenges, not only within the shores of our country but also in the West African region.
He recalled how, since it was established in 1964, the Nigerian Air Force has been playing critical roles in national security, peacekeeping, and humanitarian operations globally, noting that its “contributions to the sustenance and maintenance of peace and security in places like The Gambia, Guinea-Conakry, Mozambique, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Mali, Guinea-Bissau, and Cameroun, have not only been a source of pride to Nigeria but have projected the nation as reliable regional power.
“This is indeed most commendable, just as the Nigerian Air Force continues to synergize with other security agencies, in curtailing the threats posed by terrorists, insurgents, and other criminal elements in the country,” he further stated.
Recalling his promise during his inaugural speech last year, that security would be the top priority of his administration, the President said about six months after his proclamations, “So much has been achieved, due to the gallant and synergistic efforts of our various security agencies.”
He expressed delight that coordination among security agencies has improved significantly, just as he declared that “there is no room for celebrations until we put an end to the security logjam until we can bring our troops back to their localities, and until we can free up resources for our critical economic expansion programme.”
President Tinubu assured that “professionalism, capacity building, and adequate equipping of our Armed Forces and other security agencies, are major policy thrusts” of his administration.
He also reiterated that under his watch, the Federal Government “will continue to re-professionalise and re-equip the Armed Forces and security agencies, to effectively discharge their duties to our nation,” noting further that as Chairman of the ECOWAS, he is working diligently to enhance regional conflict management and development mechanisms.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, noted that the acquisition and induction of the T129 Atak helicopter and Beechcraft King Air 360i aircraft is a testimony of the Federal Government’s unwavering resolve to equip and empower the air force, and enhance its capacity to address security challenges, confronting the nation, in conjunction with sister forces and security agencies.
The Air Chief disclosed that the Air Force is currently overhauling its operational platforms, equipment, and entire environment to improve its efficiency and service delivery.
On his part, the Minister of Defence Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, said the induction of the new platforms for the Air Force is a testimony to President Tinubu’s resolve to add impetus to the armed forces’ fight against security challenges in the country.
He commended the armed forces for their commitment to executing their assignments in line with the counter-terrorism plan of the present administration, just as he urged the military to imbibe a positive maintenance culture in utilising the platforms purchased by the government.
(Editor: Ifeanyi Mark)
