The Minister of Defence, Dr Bello Mohammed, yesterday in Abuja pledged that the armed forces would continue to maintain vigilance on the internal security of the country.
Mohammed made the pledge at a reception organised by the Nigerian Air Force in honour of retired senior officers.
He said that the armed forces would not rest on their oars in their roles of securing the country internally.
“I want to congratulate and thank the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin, for the good job he is doing in maintaining internal security and in using our armed forces to support civil authority.
“We cannot fail to notice the success in Plateau since the president gave the CDS directives to take charge and stop the killings and I am glad to say that since then the killings have stopped,” he said.
The minister expressed delight that the situation in Maiduguri had also improved considerably.
Mohammed said that the military had collectively honoured the memories of their colleagues, who paid the ultimate sacrifices in the service to the nation.
He, therefore, commended the Nigerian Air Force for setting up the memorial plaque in its office.
Mohammed said that the ministry had discussed with the CDS and directives would be going out for each service to honour those who have served the country and paid the supreme sacrifice.
“The nation appreciates the sacrifices of members of their families, there is no better way to celebrate the conclusion of a long and meritorious career than to be feted by a gathering of one’s peers.
“This is to assure you that though your time in the service has ended, but you are truly appreciated and you will never be forgotten.’’
Mohammed commended the present and past leadership of the Nigerian Air Force for sustaining the laudable tradition of celebrating excellence.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Mohammed Umar said that the ceremony marked the climax of more than 30 years of dedicated service and valuable contributions to the development of the force and the nation.
Umar expressed NAF’s appreciation to the retirees for their contributions to the Air Force.
“As we look back over the past 30 years of the persons we honour, we most note that they served our great nation at a time in our history characterised by internal security challenges and sub-regional conflicts.
“A few of our colleagues fell by the way side, while others paid the supreme sacrifice in the service to the father land.