From Usman Sani, kaduna
Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi retired, says a full fledged Nigerian Army Aviation is a critical component in the counter-insurgency and terrorism campaigns in the country.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Kaduna by the Special Assistant to the Minister on Media and publicity Muhammad Abdulkadir, the Minister stated this when he received the Commander, US Africa Command, General Stephen Townsend and his team on a courtesy call in his office.
Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi retired explained that Nigeria would appreciate US intervention to fully establish the aviation unit of the Army as a force multiplier in the on-going fight against terrorists in the country.
On human rights issue, the Minister told the delegation that the Nigerian Military was adopting International best practices to minimise collateral damages in the fight against terrorism.
Major General Bashir Magashi retired expressed gratitude to the United States for its technical and manpower training supports towards enhancing the nation’s capacity and capabilities to end insecurity in Nigeria.
Responding, the Commander, General Stephen Townsend eulogised the leading role Nigeria is playing in Africa sub-regional security matters, and assured of continued supports.