By Adedapo Adesanya
President Bola Tinubu has said his government would address all threats and take care of national security challenges confronting the country within the shortest possible time.
Mr Tinubu, represented by the Vice-President, Mr Kashim Shettima, said this during the closing ceremony of the 2023 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) and 160th anniversary of the Nigerian Army on Thursday in Ibadan.
He stated that his new government was conscious of the security situation in Nigeria and the concerns of Nigerians on the issue, noting that he would continue to do all it could and as permitted by the Constitution to ensure the safety of law-abiding citizens and the nation’s unity.
“I assure the Nigerian Army and the entire Armed Forces of my commitment to their welfare, and I will address the issue of equipment, insufficient funding and other factors constraining their efficient operation,” he said.
Mr Tinubu added that his administration has put in place a mechanism that would comprehensively address all the challenges facing the Armed Forces for them to carry out their operations effectively.
He also called on all Nigerians to unite and shun all acts capable of dividing the nation, commending the Nigerian Army and other security agencies.
“I commend you for your joint efforts in tackling Boko Haram, and I urge you to replicate the same in tackling banditry and other criminals trying to destabilise the country,” he said.
Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, had said the Nigerian Army was living up to its constitutional role.
“The Army will continue to contribute to ensuring adequate domestic and global security through effective internal security and peace-keeping operations,” he said.
He said activities of insurgency, terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality facing the country have been greatly reduced by the concerted efforts of the Nigerian Army.
“Also, the Nigerian Army has made tremendous progress in the areas of professionalism and administration as well as cooperation with sister agencies,” he said.
The COAS expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for his constant support and inspiration and pledged his loyalty to the President and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Present at the occasion were the Chief of Defence Staff, Maj.-Gen. Christopher Musa, Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Hassan Abubakar.
Modupe Gbadeyanka