Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, on Wednesday x-rayed Nigeria’s war against terrorism, saying that the nation made a great mistake to have allowed Boko Haram terrorists and other non-state actors to operate in parts of country.
Governor Mutfwang, who spoke during the unveiling of attack Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and testing of locally-manufactured bombs at the headquarters of Briech UAS, Kuje, Abuja, said the time has come for all leaders and critical stakeholders to ensure that no one operates within Nigeria’s borders with capabilities that compete, not to talk of exceed, the ones of security agencies.
Briech UAS is an indigenous technology company with specialisation in drones production
The Boko Haram terrorists’ group has been operating in Nigeria since 2009 particularly in North East region of the country where they have been ambushing troops, kidnapping and killing defence and security forces and civilians as they plant Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and landmines.
Governor Mutfwang, just before the unveiling, said it was expedient for stakeholders to enter into partnership with local companies involving security technologies to avoid the bottlenecks attached with getting them from foreign countries.
According to Mutfwang: “I want to first of all appreciate the Nigerian armed forces for their contributions towards securing our nation.
“As Governor of my State, Plateau, I can attest to the professionalism, efficiency of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. That is why today, Plateau is regaining its name as the home of peace and tourism.
“One of the tools that has made this possible is the effective deployment of technology in dealing with these threats, and that is where Briech UAS has partnered with our State. We’ve been able to enter into a partnership that has allowed some of their facilities to be deployed to our State, and we have seen great improvement in the efficiency of the forces of ground.
“Indeed, we have made a mistake as a nation when we allowed non-state actors to acquire capabilities that are almost overwhelming state actors, and it is time to address that disadvantage. We must get to the point where no one operates within our borders with capabilities that compete, not to talk of exceed, those who have been charged with the constitutional responsibility for protecting our national sovereignty.
“I, therefore, welcome this development by this company that we are entering into strategic and what I want to call sensible acquisition of technology without strings attached.”
