President Buhari on Thursday said his administration has kept fate with the promise he made to Nigerians as the security challenge confronting the country is gradually being addressed by the gallant troops who are now more committed than ever.
The President made these remarks while commissioning two Agusta109P and one M-171E helicopter at the Eagle Square, Abuja in line with his campaign agenda of stamping out insecurity in the country.
He said the rate at which the Nigerian troops are succeeding has received much applause from the international community all over the world.
He promised that the armed forces will be re-professionalised and re-equipped to meet the global standard in line with the target of current exigencies of security in the country.
“I promised to put an end to Boko Haram insurgency, kidnapping and other forms of criminalities that have bedevilled our country during my inaugural speech as president.
“You will all agree with me that the successes we have achieved so far have restored our pride and honour the world over. Consequently, I want to sincerely thank Nigerians for believing in our government in spite of occasional outrages, by coming together as a nation, irrespective of political, religious and ethnic affiliations, in our strive to bring this menace to an end,” Buhari said.
The President urged the Air Force to be more disciplined and not to allow itself to thwart the culture of discipline as it has remained the hallmark of the security operations, saying this will enable the country to derive maximum benefit from the newly acquired helicopters.
He added the deployment of the Agusta 109P gunships and the M-17IE helicopter would add impetus to the combat efficiency of the air force in combating contemporary security challenges.
Buhari maintained that despite budget constraints, the procurement of the two aircraft for the fight against insecurity confirm the commitment of the administration in combating the insecurity. He expressed gratitude to the government of Italy and the Russian Federation for their support as well as the role played by their Ambassadors in Nigeria to ensure the insurgency receives its final blow.
In his contribution, Minister of Defence, Bashir Salihi Magashi said the purchase of the helicopters further demonstrated the administration’s commitment to bringing the security challenges in the country under control.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, said the visionary approval by Mr President to purchase more aircraft indicate commitment since the year 2015 has gone a long way in combating the crime.
