President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday said the success recorded in the fight against insurgency has put Nigeria in its rightful place among the comity of nations.
Buhari spoke at the inauguration of the Nigerian Air Force Agusta 109 power helicopters on Thursday.
He applauded the security operatives for playing critical roles in securing the nation, describing them as “a source of pride to us as a nation”.
The president said the acquisition of the aircraft is an expression of his administration’s commitment to end the Boko Haram menace.
He added that the deployment of the gunships would further help to combat the country’s security challenges.
“I am delighted to be here this morning to once again commission 2 x Agusta 109 Power and MI-171E helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force inventory,” he said.
“About a year ago, we commissioned 2 x Agusta 109 Power helicopter gunships which were procured from Italy.
“The platforms were subsequently inducted into the Nigerian Air Force inventory to boost the operational capacity. It is on record that these additional platforms have contributed immensely to the Air Force’s successes and decimation of Boko Haram insurgents.
“Your contributions in internal security, peace keeping and humanitarian operations in places like The Gambia, Guinea Conakry, Mozambique, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Mali, Guinea Bissau and Cameroon have not only been a source of pride to us as a nation, but has also projected us as a reliable regional power.
“I promised to put an end to Boko Haram insurgency, kidnapping and other forms of criminalities that have bedeviled our country during my inaugural speech as President.
“You will all agree with me that the successes we have achieved so far have restored our pride and honour the world over.”
He thanked Nigerians for believing in “our government” and coming together to bring an end to insurgency.