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Tag: weapons

  • Arms Control Centre takes custody of seized weapons

    Arms Control Centre takes custody of seized weapons

    The National Coordinator National, National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) took custody of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS).

    Centre Coordinator Johnson Babatunde Kokumo, a retired Deputy Inspector-General (DIG), hailed the NCS efforts for intercepting the cache of illicit arms and ammunition.

    Kokumo described the seizure as a testament to Customs’ unwavering contributions to protect the country from the dangers posed by illicit arms.

    The NCCSLW boss dropped the hint in a statement yesterday by the Centre’s Director of Strategic Communications/ Information, Group Captain Pius Okwuego.

    The Nation reports that the NCS on Monday displayed 844 units of rifles, 122,500 pieces of live ammunition and impounded at Onne Port, in River State.

    Three suspects are being detained for further questioning in connection to the seizures, the duty value of which was at N13.9 billion.

    Kokumo said the NCCSLW has in its custody the arms and ammunition for proper documentation and destruction according to the laid down procedure.

    He said: “This transfer is a significant step in the collaborative efforts between national security agencies to safeguard Nigeria’s borders and public safety. We express appreciation to the NCS’s in this operation.

    Read Also: IGP orders expansion of NCCC operations to FCID ANNEX offices

    “This seizure is a testament to the unwavering contributions of the NCS to protect our nation from the dangers posed by illicit arms.

    “The NCCSALW will ensure that these weapons are properly documented and destroyed to prevent them from ever posing a threat to our society.”

    Kokumo emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between the NCCSALW and the NCS, as well as other security agencies, to effectively combat the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the country.

    He expressed appreciation to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his “steadfast support and guidance in the Centre’s mission to create a safer Nigeria.”

  • DSS to unveil self-made UAVs, other weapons soon, says DG

    DSS to unveil self-made UAVs, other weapons soon, says DG

    The Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Bichi, yesterday said the agency will soon unveil weapons produced by its personnel.

    He said this at the graduation ceremony of the Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC) 16 participants in Abuja.

    He disclosed that among the weapons the Secret Service will soon unveil are Unmanned Aeriel Vehicles (UAVs).

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    Bichi also assured that the agency will continue to support the National Institute for Security Studies to succeed in its quest to impart knowledge that will enhance security in the country.

    He charged the participants to utilise the skills they have acquired to develop the country.

    He urged Nigerians to remain patriotic and embrace peaceful coexistence.

    The Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC) 16 commenced in February 2023 with 89 participants drawn from 35 agencies across Nigeria and four other African countries, namely, Niger, The Gambia, Rwanda and Chad.

  • Our weapons superior to Boko Haram terrorists’, says Army 

    The Nigerian Army on Wednesday responded to insinuations and claims it was using obsolete weapons to fight Boko Haram terrorists in the Northeast.

    It dismissed such claims as part of the on-going propaganda campaigns against the military.

    The army said it would continue to fight the insurgents until the battle is won irrespective of all challenges.

    Its response was however contained on its social media pages to counter series of videos in circulation at recent times alleging that soldiers were bitterly complaining in respect of their welfare and equipment handed them to fight the insurgents.

    “Boko Haram terrorists are not better equipped than the Nigerian Army.

    “Nigerian Army is the pride of the nation,” the army said on one of its social media pages.

    In a recent video following the Metele attacks, a soldier had lamented: “Many of our men have died. We have to go home. If Nigeria is ready, they can call us back to fight those idiots (terrorists).

    “But we do not have adequate weapons to fight them. We are going home to be with our families. Weapons make a soldier. Without weapons, you are not a soldier.”

    But the army maintained that such claims were untrue, insisting that its men were given superior weapons to fight the terrorists.

    “Fake news, false publication, hate speech and terrorist propaganda cannot deter our resolve from protecting our nation. No retreat, no surrender. Victory is sure,” it asserted

     

     

  • Troops recover weapons in raid on insurgents hideouts

    •New Commanders for Operation LAFIYA DOLE

    TROOPS of 117 Battalion, 28 Task Force Brigade, Operation LAFIYA DOLE in conjunction with some members of Civilian Joint Task Force, have neutralised some suspected Boko Haram terrorists in their hideouts.

    According to a statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, the raid followed a report on the presence of some suspected Boko Haram insurgents in Yachida, Korongelen, Bombula and Forfor axis in Damboa local government area of Borno State on Tuesday.

    The troops engaged them at Forfor village.

    One of the terrorists was neutralised,  two arrested and several others fled with gunshot wounds. The gallant patrol team recovered one AK-47 rifle, a magazine, 21 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, a 36 hand grenade, magazine pouch and a motorcycle.

    Two soldiers were injured. They  have since been evacuated to 28 Task Force Brigade Field Ambulance, Brig-Gen Usman said.

    He announced the appointment of new commanders for Operation Lafiya Dole in a major reorganisation .

    Some senior officers were deployed; several others were appointed to head the command structures of various sectors of the operation.

    Brig-Gen Usman said the postings were meant to inject fresh hands into the fight against terrorism in the Northeast.

    His words: “In order to inject new hands in the fight against terrorism and other operations, the Nigerian Army has today (yesterday) authorised the posting and appointments of some of its senior officers.

    “Those affected by the new posting and appointments include some staff officers and commanders at various levels.

    “Specifically,  the newly promoted Maj.- Gen. OT Akinjobi, Head of the Operations Monitoring Team at the Office of the Chief of Army Staff, has been appointed Commander, Sector 3 Operation LAFIYA DOLE;  Maj.Gen MG Ali,  Commander 9 Brigade has been appointed Commander of the newly created Nigerian Army Special Forces Command, Brig.-Gen BR Sinjen, Commander, Integrated Fire Support and Brig.-Gen FO Omoigui, has been moved from 2 Division Nigerian Army to Army Headquarters Department of Training and Operations and appointed Director of Operations.

    “Brig.-Gen.  TA Lagbaja is to take over as Commander 9 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Aiyenigba, Director Land Warfare at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College is to move to the Office of the Chief of Army Staff as Head of Operations Monitoring Team. Brig.-Gen. AU Kuliya is to take over as Director Land Warfare at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College.”

     

  • Charms, weapons discovered at Lagos CBD’s criminal hide out

    Assorted charms and dangerous weapons have been discovered in a criminal hideout uncovered under the bridge at the back of the popular Onikan stadium near the Governor’s House, Marina, Lagos.

    The hideout was uncovered by the operatives of the Lagos State Central Business Districts’ enforcement unit.

    The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Central Business Districts, Mr Olarenwaju Elegushi said  the hideout similar to previous criminal and ritualists’ hideouts discovered in the past was uncovered while carrying out governor’s directives to clear debris under the bridge.

    Elegushi said: “We received the governor’s directives to clear the area of refuses and debris which had accumulated overtime and in the course of carrying out the directives, we uncovered the place  which has been under surveillance for long”.

    ”We have been receiving daily report of criminal activities going on in the area from passer-byes and victims, therefore, we mobilised to dislodge criminals in the area and put a stop to further illegalities perpetrated in the area henceforth.”

    Elegushi assured that his office would leave no stone unturned to dislodge criminals from their hideout and make the Lagos Island district safe for business transactions and leisure.

    He said that no arrest was made adding that assorted charms and dangerous weapons were discovered and cleared from the place.

    He added that the police authorities and military settlement close to the area had been notified of the discovery for necessary action.

  • Weapons found as miscreants are arrested at dump

    The police yesterday arrested 80 miscreants at the Olusosun dump in Ojota, Lagos.

    They recovered a toy gun, 27 knives, hammers and substances suspected to be Marijuana.

    The suspects were rounded up in an early raid of the site conducted by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Environmental Taskforce, counter-terrorism unit and Alausa Police Division.

    It was gathered that the state government directed the dislocation of squatters and shutdown of the dump recently engulfed by fire.

    Government’s directive, it was learnt, was based on findings that the inferno, which raged for about a week, was caused by activities of squatters.

    The Nation gathered that some scavengers and homeless persons erected makeshift structures at the dumping ground.

    The police said those arrested set fire on the site to prevent the dismantling of illegal structures.

    “Recovered from the shades built by the squatters were a toy gun, 23 pieces of fake US dollars, three cutlasses, 21 kitchen knives, six  butcher’s knives, nine hammers, five  reflective jackets, substances suspected to be cannabis, charms among others,” the police said.

     

  • Over 3,000 repentant bandits surrender weapons in Zamfara, says deputy governor

    No fewer than 3,000 repentant bandits have surrendered their arms at the instance of the state’s Dialogue, Reconciliation and Disarmament Committee, Deputy Governor Ibrahim Wakkala said yesterday.

    Wakkala who is the committee chairman spoke in Gusau at an interactive session with the Governor Dave Umahi-led National Economic Council (NEC) Committee on Farmers/Herdsmen Clashes.

    The NEC committee was in Zamfara on a fact-finding mission over insecurity challenges faced by the state where 31 people were killed by hoodlums during a recent attack on some villages.

    The deputy governor said that the committee also succeeded in restoring peace and stability among communities in the state.

    “With these efforts, our communities are now leaving peacefully and cooperating with security agencies in sustaining peace in the state,” he said.

    “Our economic activities at local communities who were displaced are now improved, our local markets are now functioning.”

    The deputy governor commended the state government, security agencies and traditional rulers and all other stakeholders for their efforts.

    Also exchanging views with the visiting committee members, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Alhaji Sanusi Rikiji, said that 1,321 people have been killed and 1,881 others injured in bandits attacks in the state over the last seven years.

    One hundred and eighty-five cars and motorcycles were lost to the attacks during the same period, he said.

    Rikiji, who is the Chairman of the state government Damage, Assessment and Relief Committee, added that over 10,000 cattle were lost to rustling and 2,688 hectares of farm lands and 10,000 houses were destroyed within the period under review.

    The speaker said the state government established the committee to ascertain the number of dead and injured persons as well as properties lost to banditry and cattle rustling with the aim of assisting victims.

    “Within the period under review, the state government has, through the committee, spent huge amount of money in providing cash, food items, as well as assistance to families of deceased, and sponsoring medical bills to victims of disasters in the state,” he said.

    In his remarks, Gov. Abdul’aziz Yari urged the federal government to address the problems of shortage of security personnel in the state which he described as the major challenge to government efforts in tackling insecurity in the state. He said the state, with over four million people, has only 2,000 policemen, 315 soldiers, 400 mobile policemen and less than 100 Air Force personnel which he described as ‘highly inadequate’.

    In his response, the Chairman of the visiting committee and Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Dave Umahi, thanked the state government and all stakeholders who contributed during the meeting.

    He said that the committee had identified major issues concerning security challenges in the state and would present its findings to the federal government for further actions.

    Various stakeholders including farmers/herdsmen associations, women groups, members of the National Assembly, Council of Ulama and vigilance groups presented papers at the meeting.

     

  • Police arrest seven with weapons

    Ondo State Police Command has arrested seven men in possession of weapons.

    They were nabbed at a village in Owo Local Government by detectives.

    Police spokesman Femi Joseph, who paraded the suspects, said they were arrested with locally- made guns, cartridges and gun powder.

    He said the police received information about the men, who claimed to be hunters from the North on a hunting expedition.

    Joseph said officers have rescued three victims abducted by a gang of kidnappers on Ore- Lagos road.

    He added that the victims were part of the passengers travelling from Imo State to Lagos in an 18-seater bus, but waylaid by kidnappers.

    The rescued victims are Nwosu Virgina, Opara Oluchi and Okechueka Johnson.

    Joseph said two men, Sunday Fatoki and Adamu Muhammed, indigenes of Ogbomoso in Oyo State, who specialised in buying stolen goods, have been nabbed.

    He said they were caught with a stolen Toyota Camry car.

  • Police smash robbery gang, recover weapons

    Police smash robbery gang, recover weapons

    Five members of a dare devil armed robbery gang which specializes in trailing and robbing innocent citizens who withdraw money from banks in Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Zamfara states,  have been arrested.

    The arrest was following an intelligence received by the police about the activities of the hoodlums in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Kaduna and the neighboring states. After an intense follow up on the intelligence, operatives of the Inspector General of Police Response Team (IRT) led by Supol Usman Maibindiga, succeeded in arresting five members of the gang. The suspects include Ademola Adekunle ‘m’ 32years and a native of Oyo State, Useini Aminu, 44 years. He hails from Kogi State, Babangida Abdullahi, 35years and a native of Zamfara State, Tunde Adebola, 40years. He is a native of Ogun State and Ibrahim Abdullahi, 40years. Master keys, spanner, pliers and several tools used in opening car and breaking car glasses were recovered from the suspects.

  • Army urges Ondo militants to surrender remaining weapons

    Army urges Ondo militants to surrender remaining weapons

    The 32 Artillery Brigade of Owena Barracks in Akure, the Ondo State capital, has urged the militants in the state’s creeks to submit the remaining arms in their possession.

    Through its Commander, Brig.-Gen. James Ataguba, the Army urged the agitators to use the opportunity given to them by the state and Federal governments to drop their weapons.

    Ataguba spoke during his visit to one of the arms collection centres at the Naval Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area.

    The commander and the Director of State Service (DSS), Mr A. Ajege, jointly inspected some of the weapons voluntarily surrendered by militants from Ajapa, Ogooluwayo, Igbokoda, Ugbo and Arogbo Ijaw communities.

    The militants from various camps dropped sophisticated weapons, like machine guns, AK-47 riffles, locally-made mortals, pump action guns, single and double-barrelled guns, Dane guns and thousands of ammunitions for riffles, cartridges and bombs.

    Ataguba also advised militants, who have not surrendered their weapons to embrace peace.

    The commander warned that any person or group of persons caught with weapons or found to have committed an act of militancy would be dealt with by security agencies after the expiration of the Amnesty programme.

    He enjoined traditional rulers, religion leaders, youth leaders and political leaders to educate their youths on the need to embrace the Amnesty programme to engender a peaceful environment across the state.

    Ataguba also urged the public to share genuine information on any person or group of persons who may still be keeping weapons or involved in militancy.

    The military officer warned that any information must be true, as false tip-off and witch-hunting would not be entertained.