President Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday, unveiled made-in-Nigeria Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, for Nigerian Army’s counter-terrorism and other operations across the nation.
The vehicles named Ezugwu MRAP, produced in Kaduna by the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), were unveiled in Kaduna state, at the opening ceremony of the 2019 Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference.
According to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the president praised the gallant efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces in routing terrorists and combating insurgency in the on-going operations in the North East.
President Buhari pledged that his administration will continue to support the military to achieve its goals, in addition to prioritising their welfare and that of their families.
He further urged the soldiers to abide by the ethics, ethos and code of conduct of the military, while ensuring that human rights and international humanitarian laws are promoted and respected in the conduct of military operations.
He was quoted to have said: “I note the collaborative efforts of the Command Engineering Depot with relevant indigenous organisations, to promote local content towards developing our military-industrial complex.
“I am glad that the production of Ezugwu Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, which I will be unveiling today, will join the infantry patrol vehicles that were earlier produced as testimony that our efforts are yielding positive results.
“Additionally, your efforts in terms of capacity building, training and conduct of exercises are quite commendable.
“I am aware that there are on-going field exercises such as Atilogwu, UDO 1, Exercise Akpatuma 2 and Exercise Crocodile Smile 4, among other civil-military cooperation activities.
“These are impressive efforts geared at enhancing the operational efficiency of the army as well as facilitating a conducive security environment for social, economic activities to thrive.”
In his goodwill message, Kaduna state governor, Nasir El-Rufai, said the state was privileged to play host to several military formations, units, schools and establishments, adding that this was beneficial in fostering synergy between the military and civilians.
