President Buhari has tasked the military and security agencies with ensuring a secure and prosperous Nigeria ahead of next year’s elections. Buhari spoke yesterday in Kano at a ceremony commemorating the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) 58th anniversary.
The president said NAF justified federal investments in equipment and facilities.
Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong decried non-state actors’ proliferation of weapons, saying it fuels insecurity and criminality in the country.
Buhari urged security agencies to remain committed, steadfast, and resolute as the government pursues a secure, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria.
He praised the Defense Minister, Chief of Staff, service chiefs, and other security agency leaders for doing well. Buhari praised the Air Force Chief of Staff, officers, airmen, airwomen, and civilian staff for supporting government defense and security policies.
The president praised the air force’s discipline, constitutional loyalty, and democratic values. He said the Nigerian Air Force fulfilled its constitutional duty to secure the country.
According to him, the air force is ready to face immediate and future challenges.
Buhari said, “I’m happy to be here for the Nigerian Air Force’s 58th anniversary. This is because, in 58 years, the Nigerian Air Force has become a formidable and resilient force that can effectively address current and future security threats.
This adaptability has helped the service respond to dynamic national security challenges. The Nigerian Air Force has met its constitutional responsibilities, justifying the government’s support over the last seven years.
Buhari said he promised to equip and re-professionalize the armed forces in 2005. “We have shown the required political will, leadership, and resources for capacity building and re-professionalizing the armed forces,” he said.
He added, “I can say confidently that the armed forces have improved greatly in the past seven years. Modern equipment and improved welfare are also being provided.
Modern equipment like Super Tucanos and Augusta helicopter gunships, among others, and personnel motivation helped turn the tide in the fight against terrorists and other non-state actors,and sustained the Nigerian Air Force.
His administration will continue to provide platforms like the Beechcraft, modern helicopter gunships, and UAVs to the Nigerian Air Force to help it man the airspace more effectively.
“As a government, we’re willing to do more to provide the necessary support and encouragement to overcome security challenges,” he said.
Buhari yesterday consoled families of Kano blast victims. He called it tragic.
The victims’ families and community leaders from Sabon Gari, Kano, including the Eze Igbo, Chief Nicholas Ibekwe, met with the president at the Emir’s palace.
Buhari’s spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, said he was saddened by the explosion’s death toll and injuries. His and the nation’s thoughts are with the bereaved. I hope the injured recover quickly.”
Buhari compared Kano to his hometown Daura and called the emir’s palace home. He thanked Kano’s traditional institution and people for their support.
The emir thanked the president for his condolences and praised his fair and just leadership.
He thanked the federal government for its work in Kano and prayed for the election of good leaders.
Abdullahi Ganduje, the state governor, announced cash aid for the victims’ families and those whose property was damaged.
Lalong charges Nigerian Army with synergy, illegal weapons confiscation
Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong said non-state actors’ increasing access to weapons fuels insecurity and crime in the country.
Lalong said the Nigerian Army and other security agencies’ efforts to curb crime were jeopardized by the prevalence of small and light weapons in the hands of non-state actors. He urged the Army to seize illegal weapons.
The governor said the Nigerian Army has talented men and women who can improve national security.
They’ve shown this by addressing multiple cases of insecurity, Lalong said.
The governor asked the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to do more to remove weapons from non-state actors.
“The number of unlicensed gun owners in the country is alarming. This has increased kidnappings, violent crimes, and terrorism. “While I urge you to continue, I want to emphasize the need for security agency synergy for better results. In a society where criminals are becoming more sophisticated, we must stand together. This includes civilians, who must provide security agencies with timely information.
Lalong said his administration had built the capacity of the community, traditional, and vigilante systems to support conventional security at the grassroots level.
He hoped the competition would help the teams discover their potential and hone the skills needed to improve the Nigerian Armed Forces’ kinetic operations. He urged officers and men to show teamwork, discipline, commitment, and professionalism.
Major General Ibrahim Ali, GOC 3rd Armoured Division and Commander, Operation Safe Haven, said the exercise was a bi-annual event that brought together competitors from various formations of the Nigerian Army.
- Tags: 2023 Elections, Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria
