Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State on Friday appealed to the Nigerian Navy to rescue the state from the nefarious activities of bandits that rendered several dead, injured or homeless.
El-Rufai as Guest of Honour spoke during the commissioning of the Nigerian Navy school of Armament Technology, (NNSAT) situated in the state.
The governor noted that, efforts of the Naval personnel and the synergy with other security agencies has significantly contributed immensely in curbing insecurity in southern part of Kaduna and the state at large.
He however challenged the Navy not to relent in its security duties, especially towards battling the menace of armed banditry, kidnapping and other criminality in Kaduna State.
According to the Governor, “The courage of your men and women, and the synergy with other security agencies has significantly contributed to curbing insecurity in most part of the state.
“I also challenge you not to rest on your oars, I urge you to be relentless in your determination to decimate the menace of armed banditry and criminality from Kaduna and other states.
“I assure you all that Kaduna state remains committed to providing you with any support needed for you to attain your constitutional mandate,” El-Rufai said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas said the school will spur the Nigerian Navy to be more proactive in the course of its duties, as it will enhance professionalism within the naval family.
He disclosed that NNSAT would collaborate with similar institutions and relevant universities beyond the shore of the country to maximize the benefits of the facilities.
The Chief of Naval Staff further explained that the school has been designated as one of the cells of the Directorate of Research and Development of the Nigerian Navy.
He added that the concept behind the establishment of the school is to have a centre of excellence in naval armament capable of word class in terms of design, fabrication, manufacturing and testing of weapons; weapons systems, prognostic reports and sensors.
According to him, the school is one of the Nigerian Navy’s four core seaman professional training schools to train personnel of Above Water Warfare specialty in weapons handling and internal security operations.
“The school is expected to boost Nigerian Navy’s response capacity by sharpening knowledge on operational concepts and doctrinal practices towards addressing threats in the fifth operational spectrum of the Nigerian Navy total spectrum maritime strategy,” he said.
Nigerian Navy school of Armament Technology, (NNSAT) is an institution responsible for providing support in desert warfare and redeployment training for the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service Operatives.
NNSAT, relocated to Kachia in 2009 has trained 46 OLC officers, 279 STC officers, 158 instructor refreshers course (IRC) ratings, 3 special duty post commissioning training (SDPCT) officers, 866 fire control grades I-III ratings and 911 quarter armourer grade I-III ratings.
