Federal government has presented 20 improved versions of Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to the military for troops protection during operations.
The permanent secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, who represented the minister of defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, handed the documents and keys of the APCs over to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, on Wednesday.
The director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, said the APCs were an improved version with weapons and communication systems that can locate adversaries from a distance and engage them effectively.
The APCs also allow for seamless military operations.
In his remarks during the ceremony, Kana said he was happy with the current synergy existing among the services and described the consideration for contracting local manufacturers for the production of the APCs as a welcome development.
He said this would save Nigeria a lot of money, create employment and reduce the use of foreign currency.
The CDS in his response thanked the minister for the noble act.
He pledged to put the carriers to optimum use, adding that the machines would boost the ongoing security operations in the country.
The APCs were produced and supplied by a Nigerian company.
Its chairman, Engr Kola Balogun, said the company would train the operators and provide after -purchase services such as maintenance, spare parts and repairs.