President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday commissioned via zoom 700 Ashok Leyland Troops Carrying Vehicles in Abuja for the use of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).

Minister of Defence Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd), who spoke at the event, said that at times like this when the country is facing myriads of security challenges, the acquisition of the vehicles represents yet another significant milestone to reposition the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

He said the Federal Government is cognizant of the significance of troop’s logistics mobility for effective operational efficiency.

The Defence Minister, who noted that the implementation of the President’s Executive Order 5, EO5 is providing employment to Nigerians, said President Buhari also facilitated massive acquisition of some state-of-the-art equipment including fighter jets, naval ships and Fast Patrol Boats towards the efficiency of the military.

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, who led a team constituted by the Ministry to interface with Messrs Stallion Motors Ltd that delivered the initial 50 buses in 2014 and now the 700 vehicles, thanked President Buhari for the support that culminated into the commissioning ceremony even when hope seemed lost.

Dr Abubakar, who expressed delight that the Vehicles were produced in Nigeria by Nigerians said the engagement of Messrs Stallion Motors Limited by the Ministry was hinged on the Honourable Minister’s conviction to uphold President Buhari’s desire to promote the utilization of the indigenous technology as enshrined in the Executive Order 5 signed by the President on 2nd February, 2018.

The Permanent Secretary added that the Ministry of Defence is working to reposition the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) to enable it deliver on its mandate in line with the foresight of its founding fathers.