Military will sustain tempo to contain security challenges, says Buhari 

President Muhammadu Buhari says the military will continue to sustain its operational tempo in containing security challenges. 

In recent months, the military has been carrying out different operations across the country.  

Femi Adesina, media aide to the president, in a statement said Buhari spoke while declaring open the 12th Nigerian Navy Games in Lagos on Thursday. 

“President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Lagos urged Nigerians to believe in the capability of the armed forces to safeguard and bring long-lasting peace and stability to the country,” the statement reads. 

“Declaring open the 12th Nigerian Navy Games, LAGOS 2022, the President assured Nigerians that the armed forces would continue to sustain their operational tempo to contain the security challenges in the country.

“He said the security agencies would continue to ensure that all appropriate measures were in place for the safety of Nigerians.

“The President also re-emphasized the importance of synergy between the armed forces, other security agencies and the general population for peace and security.” 

Adesina said the president, who also commissioned the newly constructed Nigerian Navy sports complex, commended Awwal Gambo, chief of naval staff, for investing in sports development.

‘‘Over the years, sports have remained a tool to strengthen the ties between troops, instilling discipline and readiness to serve a common cause in the military. I am sure that these Games will create the forum for the Nigerian Navy to achieve these objectives and more,” the president was quoted. 

In his goodwill message, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos described the Nigerian Navy as a strategic partner to the ‘‘coastal state of Lagos’’ on security of lives and property.

He also thanked the president for approving the establishment of a new forward operating base (FOB) in Lekki axis, which the governor described as one of the fastest growing industrial, commercial and residential development areas in West Africa.

On his part, the naval chief thanked the president for his support to the Nigerian Navy. 

‘‘The president within the last year approved the acquisition of two 76m high endurance offshore patrol vessels and three helicopters to join the recently acquired hydrographic survey ship and the landing ship transport, including numerous fast attack craft to boost maritime security operations,” he said. 

He added that the induction of landing ship tank, Nigerian Navy ship KADA into the fleet has further enhanced Nigerian Navy’s naval power projection, within the region and beyond.