The Defence Headquarters has taken delivery of 20 Armoured Personnel Carriers to fight insecurity in the country.
According to a statement by the Director Defence Information, Brig.Gen Tukur Gusau, made available to the press, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, Dr Abubakar Kana who represented the Minister of Defence, A Mohammed Badaru handed over the documents and keys of the improved version of the APC to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa.
The APC’s are improved version with improved weapons and communication systems that can locate adversaries from distance and engage them effectively. They also allow for seamless military operations.
The Permanent Secretary during the handing over, said he is happy with the current synergy existing among the services, while describing the consideration for contracting local manufacturers for the production of the APC’s as a welcome development. He added that this will save the nation a lot of money, create employment for Nigerians and reduce over reliance on foreign currency.
The CDS in his response 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.
It could be recalled that the APC’s were produced and supplied by an indigenous company based in Nigeria. The chairman of the company, Engineer Kola Balogun, said the company will also train operators and provide after purchase services like maintenance, spare parts, and repairs. According to him, the company will soon start exporting these machines to earn foreign currency for the country.
