“I promised to put an end to Boko Haram insurgency” President Buhari recalls

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday vowed to re-equip and re-professionalize the armed forces to meet the increasing security exigencies in the country.

The president stated this at the commissioning of two Nigerian Air Force Agusta 109 Power Helicopters and Mi-17 E Helicopters at the Eagle Square, while assuring Nigerians that the realization of terrorism be defeated would be realised.

“We promise to re-professionalise and re-equip the Armed Forces and security agencies to effectively discharge their duties to our nation.

“Professionalism, capacity building and adequately equipping the Armed Forces and other security agencies are a major policy thrust of the Administration.’’

Buhari urged the Nigerian Air force to ensure discipline in their operations and a strong maintenance attitude that will enable the nation derive maximum benefits from the newly acquired helicopters.

“I have no doubt that the deployment of these Agusta 109P gunships and the M-17IE helicopter would add impetus to the combat efficiency of the Air Force in combating our contemporary security challenges,’’ he added.

President Buhari said that two earlier commissioned Agusta 109 Power helicopter gunships, which were acquired from Italy over a year ago, had made impact on the war against terrorism.

He commended the support of the Governments of Italy and the Russian Federation, and efforts of the Italian and Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, at sustaining the strategic partnership which facilitated this acquisition.

“I want to, once again, salute the resolve of our Armed Forces and the invaluable contributions of all security agencies for their efforts towards the decimation of Boko Haram.

“Your contributions in internal security, peacekeeping and humanitarian operations in places like The Gambia, Guinea Conakry, Mozambique, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Mali, Guinea Bissau and Cameroon have not only been a source of pride to us as a nation, but has also projected us as a reliable regional power.

“I promised to put an end to Boko Haram insurgency, kidnapping and other forms of criminality that have bedeviled our country during my inaugural speech as President.

“You will all agree with me that the successes we have achieved so far have restored our pride and honour the world over. Consequently, I want to sincerely thank Nigerians for believing in our government in spite of occasional outrages, coming together as a nation, irrespective of political, religious and ethnic affiliations, in our strive to bring this menace to an end.’’

President Buhari appreciated Nigerians for supporting the military and other security agencies against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, adding that the security problems would be collectively defeated.