THE President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has implored the Nigerian military and other security agencies to intensify efforts at ending the multi-dimensional security challenges in the country.
According to media reports, the President gave the charge on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, during the induction ceremony of two new TK-129 ATAK Helicopters and a King Air 360i Aircraft at the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) Base, Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
He restated his administration’s continued support to the nation’s security forces through the modernization of fleets, training and welfare of personnel.
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 administration’s enduring commitment to the ideals of patriotism and investment in the nation’s security.
“Indeed, our solemn commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s security hinges upon the realisation that without vigilant attention to the needs of our Armed Forces, who are saddled with the maintenance of peace, law, order and stability, anarchy and lawlessness would surely prevail,” he stated.
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.
Urging the nation’s security forces to step up their game, President Tinubu said, “I have no doubt that the deployment of these platforms would add impetus to the combat efficiency of the Nigerian Air Force in addressing our contemporary security challenges, not only within the shores of our country but also in the West African region. We are committed to taking the right steps to achieve the desired results.
“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.”
President Tinubu then assured that “professionalism, capacity building and adequate equipping of our Armed Forces and other security agencies are a major policy thrust” of his administration.
