The Minister of Defence, Retired Brig.-Gen. Mansur Dan-Ali, said on Saturday that the Federal Government would provide more support for the Armed Forces, despite the country’s dwindling revenue.

Dan-Ali gave this assurance at the passing out parade of 90 new Direct Short Service Course 23 and 13 Special Duty Course 2016 cadets at the Nigerian Navy College Onne, Rivers.

He said the assistance would enable the military to succeed in its ongoing operations such as Operations Delta Safe and Tsare Teku in the Niger Delta and Operation Lafiya Dole in the North-East.

Dan-Ali said the operations were aimed at ensuring law and order as well as preserving the territorial integrity of the country.

“The President Muhammadu Buhari administration is ever committed and determined to honour its obligations to support capacity-building for the Armed Forces.

“Government is pleased that the Nigerian Navy has added a large number of platforms (war ships) to its fleet, which includes NNS Prosperity and Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV).

“As we speak, the latest OPV to the fleet of the Nigerian Navy is underway from China to Nigeria to improve the defence of the nation’s maritime interests.

“The government is committed to performing its constitutional roles despite the present economic downturn, occasioned by dwindling oil prices and the spike in militancy and sabotage in the Niger Delta,” he said.

Dan-Ali said the 103 cadets started their training in March to become Commissioned Officers with a focus on contributing to the ongoing internal security operations across the country.

He urged the new officers to give unflinching loyalty to President Muhammadu Buhari as well as obey both civil and military laws.

“The cadets should note that their service would demand patriotism, professionalism, integrity, loyalty, tact, commitment to duty and respect and protection of human rights.”

The minister lauded the Commandant of the Nigerian Navy College, Commodore Emmanuel Israel and the Naval Training Command for the qualitative training at the college.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister inaugurated the refurbished hostel accommodation among other facilities at the college. (NAN)

•Photo shows Retired Brig.-Gen. Dan-Ali.

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