Government Vows To Provide More Equipment To Nigerian Army

Nigeria's Defense Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar reiterated the federal government's vow to provide the Nigerian Army with more equipment, including arms, ammunition, and combat enablers to strengthen their capabilities in effectively combating insurgency in the country.

Abubakar and Minister of State for Defense Bello Matawalle visited the Army Headquarters on Tuesday in Abuja, where they praised the armed forces.

During the working visit, Abubakar assured that President Bola Tinubu was ready to do everything in his power to help the Nigerian Army in terms of equipment, manpower, and accommodation.

"The federal government will do the best to provide these needs to make sure the military has an edge in the security governance of our dear nation," he said, according to PremiumTimes. "The president has demonstrated that since we came in and he has never turned down our request and he has been very supportive."

On behalf of the president, the minister said that he has promised to continue his support as long as he sees the results.

"So once again, I want to commend the Chief of Army Staff for the successes so far and I believe more successes will come as we continue to supply the necessary equipment to execute the war," Abubakar added.

Matawalle also praised the Nigerian Army for their sacrifices toward the country and maintaining security.

Nigeria's Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja thanked both ministers for their intervention, noting that it has created a positive impact on the Army's operation on the ground.

President Tinubu held his first security meeting in June with Nigeria's Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Amao, and the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba.

The Nigerian Army has been dealing with security issues in the country amid a surge in killings and kidnapping cases.

Last month, armed gunmen entered hostels at the Federal University Gusau in Zamfara State and kidnapped 30 students, mostly females. The Nigerian Army disclosed after a couple of hours that they had a gun battle with the terrorists and rescued a few students.

Nigeria is suffering from a kidnap epidemic as 3,620 individuals have been abducted between July 2022 to June 2023. Earlier this year, a United States convoy was attacked by gunmen, killing two staff members and two police officers in Anambra State.