Extra-budgetary funding has been approved for the military to acquire Counter Improvised Explosive Devices (CIEDs), intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, reconnaissance, communication, and other equipment to enhance its firepower.

This was disclosed by president of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, at the graduation dinner for the National Defence College (NDC) Course 29 Participants on Wednesday in Abuja.

Mr Lawan was represented at the event by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Defence, Aliyu Wamako.

According to him, the federal government will continue to reform not only the armed forces but also the institutions and departments that serve them by encouraging a culture of creativity and intelligence risk taking.

“We are promoting a sustainable approach to developing military capabilities, which encourages people to be proactive and not reactive which anticipates threats before they emerge.

“Mr President insists on a total defeat of criminals as part of an agenda to secure territories. The Federal Government has been working tirelessly with governments of our contiguous neighbours to strengthen the regional security framework,” he said.

Mr Lawan said “The legislature places a premium on the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of personnel of our Armed Forces which are on the front lines bearing the burden of emerging security challenges.

“We will continue to ensure that our men are adequately empowered and that their operations are more closely scrutinised to improve performances.

“All these are because of safeguarding the security of our beloved nation which cannot be entrusted to a single body and so requires a collaborative effort.

“Be assured that the legislature has been working closely with other arms of government, Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure that members of the Armed Forces are adequately equipped, motivated and trained in these respects,” he said.