Buhari launches defence communications asset, asks military to give best to Nigerians

President Muhammadu Buhari has asked the military not to desist from serving the country to the best of their ability. 

Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja at the commissioning of  the first phase of a nationwide defence communications network project, codenamed GIWA 2, Buhari said the government will sustain its role in meeting the demands of the armed forces by creating necessary initiatives to enhance their position.

In a statement by Femi Adesina, presidential spokesperson, Buhari said projects like GIWA 2, training, networking and equipping, will turn the Nigerian military into a force of global reckoning.

“As the armed forces of Nigeria continue to reposition to provide the enabling environment for enhancing the security and well-being of the citizens, I implore all our troops to give their best in the service of the nation,’’ Buhari was quoted to have said. 

Buhari said the GIWA 2 project would provide real-time secure means of communication and incident reporting, as well as information exchange between the armed forces and other security agencies.

“It also stands to enhance collaboration between our defence, intelligence and security community while providing the platform for the denial of freedom of action to all perpetrators of insecurity across Nigeria,” the president said. 

“These benefits of the GIWA 2 Project informed the timely support of the federal government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria, to ensure that the centre is commissioned as one of the proud landmarks and enduring achievements of the armed forces of Nigeria under this administration.

“To this end, the ministry of communications and digital economy is to support the defence headquarters in ensuring that the infrastructure available for rural telephony is fully deployed for the attainment of GIWA 2 project deliverables. The federal government shall support the full actualisation of the other phases of GIWA 2 Project.

“Nigeria is blessed with professional and vibrant armed forces, which have continually displayed the unflinching capacity to protect the territorial integrity of our country.

“Our armed forces have continually demonstrated resolve to provide a safe, secure and enabling environment to promote national security.”

In his welcome address, Lucky Irabor, chief of defence staff, said the commissioning of the GIWA 2 project is the culmination of Buhari’s directives in 2021 that the defence headquarters must ensure the safe return of displaced farmers sacked by insurgency from their farm. 

Irabor said the project will ensure a secure communication for the military in carrying out its responsibilities.