On Thursday, President Bola Tinubu made a commitment to improve the Armed Forces of Nigeria by addressing the deficiencies in funding and equipment that are preventing them from functioning at full capacity.
It was during the grand finale of the celebration of the 160th anniversary of the establishment of the Nigerian Army that he made this promise. The event took place at the Maj. Gen. J.M. Inienger Sports Complex, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Odogbo, in Ibadan, which is the capital of Oyo State.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, disclosed that the Presidency was aware of issues affecting the operational efficiency of the armed forces, including inadequate equipment and insufficient funding, among other factors.
The Nigerian President went on to say that the Nigerian Army remained one of the strongest pillars of hope for the Nigerian citizenry. She noted that despite her involvement in the governance of the country in the past, the Nigerian Army had subordinated itself to civilian rule since 1999 and remained a highly professional force with a high standing both regionally and internationally. This was disclosed in her further statement.
He stated that the Nigerian Army has continued to successfully carry out the constitutional role that it was assigned. It is to the credit of the army that, despite the numerous engagements in internal security, it continues to carry out tasks that are intended to support peace and stability on a regional and international scale in an effective and efficient manner.
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“It is a matter of public record that the combined efforts of the Nigerian Army, other services, and security agencies have been responsible for the degrading of the dreaded Boko Haram terrorist sect. This commendable act has also been replicated as part of the ongoing efforts to decimate bandits, secessionists, and other criminal elements that are attempting to disrupt the peace and stability of the nation.
Tinubu, as a result, acknowledged the sacrifices made by several valiant officers and soldiers who had lost their lives as well as those who had sustained various degrees of injuries, including instances of permanent disabilities.
The President of Nigeria issued a strong admonition to the Nigerian Army, instructing them to always conduct their military operations in accordance with international best practices, particularly existing humanitarian laws and rules of engagement.
He stated, “As a responsible government, we are conscious of the security concerns of the citizenry, and as such, I wish to reassure you of our resolve to defeat all threats to national security within the shortest possible time.” In other words, he was assuring the citizens that the government was doing everything it could to ensure their safety.
An earlier statement made by the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, vowed the unwavering support of the Nigerian Army for democratic governance in the country.
