Federal Gov’t To Equip Armed Forces To Tackle Threats

Minister of state for defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, has reiterated the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to equip the nation’s armed forces with requisite platforms to tackle insecurity.

Matawalle spoke during the jumu’at service in commemoration of the 69th anniversary celebration of the Nigerian Navy in Abuja yesterday.

He said the Navy had acquired several platforms such as ships and helicopters to boost its anti-crude oil theft and maritime security operations.

“A lot of platforms are going to be commissioned. So that means the government is doing wonderfully well because the government is providing such equipment, and platforms.

“Next week, I am going to Lagos to commission some of the platforms of the Nigerian Navy which is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President to ensure adequate equipment to both the Nigerian Navy and all our forces,” he said.

The minister urged Muslims to be good ambassadors of Islam wherever they found themselves, adding that officers and men of the Nigerian Navy must be conscious in performing whatever duty that was assigned to them.

“I advise them to be patient and to fear God for whatever dealings they are doing and to ensure that they should follow the teaching of our Holy Prophet Muhammad. I have confidence in our men and women of the Nigerian Navy,” he added.

In his remarks, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, assured Nigerians that the Navy would up its game towards defeating the enemies of the state and other criminal elements.

Ogalla, who was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Navy), Rear Adm. Ibrahim Dewu said the commitment of the Nigerian navy to defend the territorial integrity and peace of the nation was underscored by its collaborative performances towards ensuring national security.

According to him, the security of the nation’s maritime space is being undermined by series of illegal activities perpetrated by criminal elements.

“We have intensified our operational engagements to neutralise these economic saboteurs in our maritime environment with resounding success.

“Our success has been made possible with the support of the President, Commander-in-Chief Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, culminating in the acquisition of modern platforms, which showcased the Navy’s capability and strength,” he said.

The CNS said his leadership had improved personnel welfare by providing befitting accommodations to ensure their well-being.

He said the anniversary would provide them an opportunity for collective and individual introspection towards upholding the core values of the navy which are professionalism, integrity and teamwork.

He urged them to be disciplined and law abiding at all times, as well as utilise the occasion to rededicate themselves with renewed focus, enthusiasm and hope, towards achieving a prosperous future for the navy.

“As we celebrate, let us also be of goodwill to one another and work together to make the service and Nigeria greater.