By Gbemiga Olamikan.
The fight against insecurity has received a boost as Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru Abubakar delivered an improved version of the Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC’s) to fight insecurity in the country. Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana who represented the Minister of Defence in a brief ceremony today, 8 May 2024 in Abuja handed over the documents and keys of 20 APC to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa.
The delivered APC’s are improved versions with improved weapons and communication systems that can locate adversaries from distance and engage them effectively which will allow seamless military operations on the field.
Speaking at the presentation, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana Permanent Secretary said he is happy with the current synergy existing among the services, he described the consideration for contracting local manufacturers for the production of the APC’s as a welcome development noted that, this will save the nation a lot of money, create employment for Nigerians and reduce over reliance on foreign currency.
However, the Chief of Defense Staff thanked the Minister of Defence for the noble act. He pledged to put the carriers to optimum and judicious use. He added that the machines will definitely boost the ongoing operations to rid the country of insecurity.
All the APCs were produced and supplied by an indigenous company based in Nigeria. The chairman of the company, Engineer Kola Balogun assured that the company will also train operators and provide after purchase services like maintenance, spare parts, and repairs. He assured that the company will soon start exporting these machines to earn foreign currency for the country.
