President Muhammadu Buhari has said his administration remains committed to winning the war against terrorism and other forms of insecurity as he commissioned 700 Ashok Leyland troop carrying vehicles.
Buhari said his administration would stop at nothing to ensure that citizens have a new Nigeria free from insecurity before leaving office in May.
Speaking virtually at the event yesterday, he commended the military’s efforts at defending the territorial integrity of the country.
The president recalled that before his emergence in office, Boko Haram and other criminals had taken over some parts of the country.
He said, “As a country, we are proud since the first seven years, we have been able to revitalise our armed forces for the protection of the Nigeria’s territorial integrity that was once violated by Boko Haram insurgency and other forms of criminality in the country.
“Some of you may recall that in my inaugural speech as the president, I promised to put an end to Boko Haram which hitherto constituted threat to Nigeria’s territorial integrity. To fulfill this promise, efforts on professionalism, capacity building in the armed forces, and the acquisition of brand new platforms and other supporting equipment were intensified to enable the military to discharge their duties respectively. “
The president expressed confidence that the vehicles would help improve the operations of the troops.
He said, “I have no doubt that the deployment of these vehicles will increase the efficient capacity of the armed forces of Nigeria. Therefore I charge you to consolidate on the gains you have made towards sustaining the peace and stability of the country.”
Commending the military’s role in the just concluded elections as well as restoring peace in some troubled parts of the country, Buhari promised that he would improve the welfare of military personnel in the country.
He also said his administration was committed to curbing insecurity in the country.
“I commend the armed forces for their support and role played during the presidential and national assembly elections. I want to assure you all, that your labour will not be in vain. My regime will continue to support you in every aspect including improving your welfare. Let me also assure Nigerians, the government remains steadfast and committed to winning the war against insurgency and other forms of criminalities. We will not relent until we have a new Nigeria that is free from the terrorism menace” he said.
The minister of defence Major General Bashir Magashi (rtd) said the project was initiated by the Office of the National Security Adviser in 2014, adding that the delivery was delayed due to administrative errors.
He said the vehicles would help improve the operational activities of the armed forces.
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