The Defence Headquarters has received 20 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC’s) as parts of the Federal Government’s efforts to fight insecurity in the country. The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Christopher Musa received the keys of the vehicles during a brief ceremony at the Ministry of Defence Abuja, on Wednesday.
The Director Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, announced this in a statement on Thursday, May 9.
The statement said the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana who represented the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar handed over the documents and keys of 20 APC to the Chief of Defence Staff.
According to the statement, the APC’s are an improved version with improved weapons and communication systems that coukd locate adversaries from distance and engage them effectively.
The statement reads: “The Permanent Secretary during the handing over, said he is happy with the current synergy existing among the services, while describing the consideration for contracting local manufacturers for the production of the APC’s as a welcome development. He added that this will save the nation a lot of money, create employment for Nigerians and reduce over reliance on foreign currency.”
“The CDS in his response thanked the Minister of Defence for the noble act. He pledged to put the carriers to optimum and judicious use. He added that the machines will definitely boost the ongoing operations to rid the country of insecurity.”