NIGERIA: Tinubu Mobilises Military Assets, Procures Armoured Fleet To Tackle Insecurity

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to deploy all military and law enforcement assets to protect Nigerians and crush security threats across the country.

The President made this known on Monday in Lagos while declaring open the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2025 at Nebo Hall, Abalti Barracks, Ojuelegba. He was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the State House on Monday.

According to the statement, President Tinubu announced the procurement of mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles and a new armoured fleet for the Armed Forces, alongside the refurbishment of over 100 Armoured Fighting Vehicles returned to active service, as part of ongoing efforts to modernise the military.

He said: “There is no nation that can achieve greatness without security. This government remains resolute in mobilising all military and law enforcement assets to eliminate security threats and protect the lives and property of all Nigerians.”

The president stated that security remains a core pillar of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that the Federal Government is committed to strengthening the operational readiness of the Armed Forces through modern equipment, improved training and enhanced capacity.

He further mentioned: “Following the induction of helicopters into Nigerian Army Aviation and the training of pilots, we have advanced the procurement of additional Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles, Armoured Vehicles, and Patrol Vehicles. We have also refurbished over one hundred Armoured Fighting Vehicles, now returned to active service.”

The President added that the government is expanding partnerships with friendly nations to promote research, innovation and indigenous defence production, with the long-term objective of achieving self-reliance in defence and security.

Commending the Nigerian Army for progress recorded in the fight against terrorism and other security challenges, President Tinubu said reports from various theatres of operation reflect improved outcomes driven by professionalism, courage and effective joint operations.

He shared: “The positive reports emerging from the various theatres of operation are encouraging and stand as testimony to your resilience and professionalism.”

Tinubu assured the Armed Forces of the government’s continued support in fulfilling their constitutional mandate of safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity, noting that discipline, professionalism and adherence to constitutional order remain essential to sustaining public trust.

Paying tribute to fallen soldiers, he said their sacrifices would never be forgotten, assuring that the government would continue to support their families and improve the welfare of serving personnel.

Earlier, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also commended the Nigerian Army for strengthening civil–military relations in the state and pledged the continued support of the Lagos State Government in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.

Highpoints of the conference included the unveiling of a biography of the late former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, by Vice President Shettima, the presentation of 15 Toyota Hilux vehicles to deserving warrant officers, and the presentation of cheques to families of fallen soldiers under the Nigerian Army Personnel Insurance Scheme.

The event was attended by senior military officers, representatives of the President of the Senate, former servicechiefs and traditional rulers.