From Our Correspondent
…..inducts 2 NAF helicopters
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has implored the Nigerian military and other security agencies to intensify efforts at containing the multi-dimensional security challenges in the country.
The President gave the charge during the induction of two helicopters and an Aircraft, on Tuesday, in Makurdi, Benue State.
TheNewsZenith reports that Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Tinubu at the occasion.
He restated his administration’s continued support of the nation’s security forces by modernising fleets, training and welfare.
The President recalled the induction of four additional Diamond-62 surveillance aircraft into the arsenal of the NAF about two months ago.
He said it was a symbol of his government’s enduring commitment to patriotism and investment in the nation’s security.
“Without vigilant attention to the needs of our Armed Forces, anarchy and lawlessness would surely prevail. Our commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s security hinges upon this realisation,” Tinubu stated.
He noted that the acquisition of helicopters and aircraft had become necessary to improve the strategic use of air power. These were necessary in combating terrorism, insurgency and other security challenges plaguing the nation.
“I do not 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.
“This is so, 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.
President Tinubu assured that “professionalism, capacity building and equipping of our Armed Forces and other security agencies are a major policy thrust” of his administration.
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He, therefore, reiterated that under his watch, the government “will continue to re-professionalise and re-equip the Armed Forces and security agencies. This is to enable them to discharge their duties to the nation effectively”.
As Chairman of the ECOWAS, Tinubu said he was working hard to enhance regional conflict management and development mechanisms.
He expressed delight that coordination among security agencies has improved significantly.
The President also said “There would be no room for celebrations until we end the security logjam”.
“No celebration until we can bring our troops back to their localities. And until we can free up resources for our critical economic expansion programme,” he added.
Inducting the aircraft and helicopters, the President congratulated the Chief of the Air Staff and all the personnel of the Air Force on the commissioning of the T-129 ATAK helicopters and King Air 360i aircraft into the Service.
“At this juncture, I now induct the 2 x T -129 ATAK helicopters as NAF 500 and NAF 501 and King Air 360i as NAF 205 into the Service of the Nigerian Air Force and our country”.
Earlier, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, said the aircraft acquisition was a testimony of the government’s resolve to enhance the Forces’ capacity to confront the nation’s security challenges.
He thanked President Tinubu for the provision to enable the NAF to acquire seven brand-new aircraft within six months.
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