President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked the Nigerian military and other security agencies to up their games at containing the security challenges in the country.
The president gave the charge yesterday during the induction ceremony of two TK-129 ATAK Helicopters and a King Air 360i Aircraft at the Nigeria Air (NAF) Base, Makurdi, Benue State.
He restated his administration’s continued support to the nation’s security forces through the modernization of fleets, training and welfare of personnel.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the president 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 recalled how since it was established in 1964, the Nigerian Air Force had been playing critical roles in national security, peace-keeping and humanitarian operations globally.
The president also 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.”
Speaking earlier, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, said the acquisition and induction of the T129 Atak helicopters and Beechcraft King Air 360i aircraft was a testimony of the federal government’s 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.
On his part, the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, said the induction of the new platforms for the Air Force was a testimony of President Tinubu’s resolve to add impetus to the armed forces’ fight against security challenges in the country.
Present at the event were the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas; Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State; some members of the National Assembly from Benue State and members of the state House of Assembly, among others.
Highlights of the event were the signing of the handing over documents and aerial display of the T129 Attack Combat Helicopter.
