President Bola Tinubu, has charged the Armed Forces and other security agencies to intensify efforts at containing the multi-dimensional security challenges in the country.

Tinubu restated his administration’s continued support to the nation’s security forces through the modernisation of fleets, training and welfare of personnel.

He gave the charge during the induction ceremony of two TK-129 ATAK Helicopters and a King Air 360i Aircraft at Nigeria Air Force, NAF, Base, Makurdi, Benue.

Tinubu, who spoke through Vice President Kashim Shettima, recalled the commissioning and induction of four additional Diamond-62 surveillance aircraft into the arsenal of the Nigerian Air Force about two months ago.

According to him, it is a symbol of his government’s enduring commitment to the ideals of patriotism and investment in the nation’s security.

In his words, government solemn commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s security hinges upon the realisation that without vigilant attention to the needs of the Armed Forces who are saddled with the maintenance of peace, law, order and stability, anarchy and lawlessness would surely prevail.

Delivering the President’s address, Shettima 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 urged the nation’s security forces to step up their game, saying he has no doubt that the deployment of the platforms would add impetus to the combat efficiency of the Nigerian Air Force in addressing contemporary security challenges, not only within the shores of the country but also in the West African region.

According to him, the acquisition of the aircraft amongst other military equipment despite budgetary constraints is an expression of government commitment.

In his words, government will ensure every sector of the nation benefits from the change that they promised.

He said he expected discipline in operation and a strong maintenance culture that will enable the nation to derive maximum benefits from the acquisitions.

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.

He noted that its “contributions to the sustenance and maintenance of peace and security in places like The Gambia, Guinea Conakry, Mozambique, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Mali, Guinea Bissau and Cameroun have not only been a source of pride to Nigeria but have projected the nation as a reliable regional power.

In his words, this is indeed most commendable just as the Nigerian Air Force continues to synergise with other security agencies in curtailing the threats posed by terrorists, insurgents and other criminal elements in the country.

Recalling his promise during his inaugural speech last year that security shall be the top priority of his administration, the President said about six months after his proclamations, “So much has been achieved due to the gallant and synergistic efforts of our various security agencies”.

He 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”.

President Tinubu assured that “professionalism, capacity building and adequate equipping of our Armed Forces and other security agencies are a major policy thrust” of his administration.

He, therefore, reiterated that under his watch, the Federal Government “will continue to re-professionalise and re-equip the Armed Forces and security agencies to effectively discharge their duties to our nation”, noting further that as Chairman of the ECOWAS, he was working diligently to enhance regional conflict management and development mechanisms.

Inducting the aircraft and helicopters, the President said, “Finally, I congratulate the Chief of the Air Staff and all the personnel of the Air Force on this occasion of the commissioning of the T-129 ATAK helicopters and King Air 360i aircraft into the Service.

At this juncture, I hereby induct the 2 x T -129 ATAK helicopters as NAF 500 and NAF 501 and King Air 360i as NAF 205 into the Service of the Nigerian Air Force and our country.”

Earlier in his welcome address, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, noted that the acquisition and induction of the T129 Atak helicopter and Beechcraft King Air 360i aircraft is a testimony of the Federal Government’s unwavering 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.

He thanked President Tinubu for the provision to enable the Nigerian Air Force to acquire seven brand-new aircraft within six months of his administration.

The Air Chief disclosed that the Air Force is currently overhauling its operational platforms, equipment and the entire environment to improve its efficiency and service delivery.

On his part, Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, said the induction of the new platforms for the Air Force is a testimony of President Tinubu’s resolve to add impetus to the armed forces’ fight against security challenges in the country.

Badaru commended the armed forces for the commitment to executing their assignments in line with the counter-terrorism plan of the present administration.

He urged the military to imbibe a positive maintenance culture in utilising platforms purchased by the government.