The Honourable Minister of Defence, Bello Matawalle, has called for an urgent increase in the number of Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) available to the Nigerian military, stressing their importance in combating the nation’s ongoing security challenges.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Minister Matawalle highlighted the critical role of APCs in safeguarding Nigerian troops and enhancing their operational effectiveness in the face of rising threats from insurgency, terrorism, and armed banditry.
"The Nigerian military continues to face significant challenges in securing the nation’s borders and protecting its citizens from violent extremism and criminal activities. In our efforts to address these threats, Armoured Personnel Carriers are essential for troop mobility, protection, and ensuring the success of our security operations," said the Minister.
Matawalle emphasized that the current inventory of APCs is insufficient to meet the growing demands of counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations, particularly in the nation's North East and North West regions. The Defence Minister underscored that the increased availability of APCs would not only enhance troop safety but also enable faster response times and greater effectiveness in confronting armed groups.
"With more APCs, our forces can better protect the lives of our soldiers while engaging insurgents, militants, and other criminals. It will also provide the military with the necessary capacity to support joint operations with law enforcement agencies and contribute to stabilizing volatile regions," he added.
Minister Matawalle’s statement comes in the wake of growing calls from various sectors for the Nigerian government to prioritize the modernization and equipping of the military to combat escalating insecurity across the country. He assured the public that the Ministry of Defence is actively working with the Nigerian Army and relevant stakeholders to ensure the timely acquisition of these critical assets.