President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, promised to address the shortfalls in funding and equipment hindering the operational efficiency of the Armed Forces in Nigeria.
He made this promise during the grand finale of the celebration of the 160th establishment of the Nigerian Army held at the Maj. Gen. J.M. Inienger Sports Complex, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Odogbo, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, disclosed that the Presidency was aware of issues of inadequate equipment and insufficient funding among other factors affecting the operational efficiency of the armed forces.
The President further disclosed that the Nigerian Army remained one of the strongest pillars of hope for the Nigerian citizenry, noting that despite her involvement in the governance of the country in the past, it had since 1999 subordinated itself to civilian rule and remained a highly professional force with high standing both regionally and internationally.
He said, “The Nigerian Army has continued to discharge its constitutional role with commendable success. It is to the credit of the army that, despite the numerous internal security engagements, it continues to execute regional and international peace support tasks effectively and efficiently.
“It is on record that the joint efforts of the Nigerian Army, other services, and security agencies are responsible for degrading the dreaded Boko Haram terrorist sect. This commendable act has also been replicated in the ongoing efforts to decimate bandits, secessionists, and other criminal elements trying to disrupt the peace and stability of the nation.”
Tinubu, therefore, acknowledged the sacrifices made by several gallant officers and soldiers who had lost their lives and those who sustained various degrees of injuries, including cases of permanent disabilities.
The President urged the Nigerian Army to always be guided by international best practices, especially extant humanitarian laws and rules of engagement while conducting operations.
He said, “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.”
Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, pledged the Nigerian Army’s unflinching support for democratic governance in Nigeria.