Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has stated that Nigeria made a grave mistake by allowing Boko Haram terrorists and other non-state actors to operate with capabilities that, at times, rival those of the country’s security agencies.
Speaking at the unveiling of attack Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and the testing of locally-manufactured bombs at the headquarters of Briech UAS in Kuje, Abuja, on Wednesday, Mutfwang emphasized the need for leaders and stakeholders to ensure that no entity within the nation’s borders possesses capabilities that compete with or exceed those of the nation’s security apparatus.
Briech UAS, an indigenous technology company specializing in drone production, showcased its advancements during the event, which was attended by various stakeholders.
“I want to first of all appreciate the Nigerian armed forces for their contributions towards securing our nation. 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,” Mutfwang said.
“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.”
The governor further stressed the importance of forging partnerships with local companies involved in developing security technologies to avoid the bureaucratic challenges associated with procuring such equipment from foreign entities.