The fight against insecurity has received a boost with the delivery of an improved version of the Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC’s) made in the country in aid of the ongoing fight against insecurity in the country.
The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana on Tuesday received the handover documents and keys to 20 APC on behalf of the Minister of Defence Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar and handed them over to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa.
This is contained in a statement signed by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau , the
Director Defence Information.He said the APC version had an 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 expressed satisfaction with the current synergy existing among the services and hailed 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 recall 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.