Boko Haram: Nigeria seeks support from 17 nations

THE Federal Government has struck military deal with no fewer than 17 countries, in its bid to contain the menace of terrorism occasioned by the activities of the Boko Haram sectThis was disclosed in Abuja, on Thursday, by the Minister of Defence, Dr Bello Haliru Mohammed, while speaking at the ongoing ministerial platform organised to commemorate the one-year administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.'Giving the level of security challenges in the country, the training and re-training of the Armed Forces is receiving great attention. 'This has become imperative as the credibility and effectiveness of the military power largely depends on the level of training of the military personnel. We have entered into bilateral agreement with about 17 friendly nations, where joint military exercise and exchange of training programmes are being intensified,' he said.The minister said the Federal Government had also re-positioned institutions, such as the National Defence College in Abuja; Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna; Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, adding that currently, the ministry was constructing participants quarters at the permanent site of the National Defence College at Piwoyi, Abuja.'Equally worth mentioning is the acquisition of NNS Thunder (an ocean-going warship) and a number of Shaldag fast patrol boats. In the same vein, M-35 helicopters have been acquired, while Super Puma helicopters and Alpha-jet and engine test-bench have been reactivated. We have also refurbished some of our C-130H Aircraft NAF,' he said.Dr Mohammed also said the ministry placed great emphasis in the welfare of its personnel, adding that 'it is for this reason that the ministry embarked on construction and refurbishing of 18 military barracks across the country.'He also spoke of how the military pension board successfully completed the transfer of retirees from PENCOM to the military pension system, adding that 'we have also paid all the integrated pensioners their entitlements up to date.'According to him, one of the outstanding achievements of the ministry was the local production of some ammunition, even as he disclosed that more were still on the way.Speaking on the involvement of the military in the internal security, he said 'though the provision of internal security does not fall within the core mandate of the ministry, the current security challenge has made it imperative to involve the armed forces in internal security matters.
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