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Tag: Arms

  • Bill to allow road safety officers bear arms scales second reading

    Bill to allow road safety officers bear arms scales second reading

    A bill for an Act to amend the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRAC) Act, 2007 to make offers bear arms has scaled second reading in the House of Representatives.

    The bill which was sponsored by Rep. Abiodun Adesida (APC-Ondo) and Rep. Olaide  Muhammed (APC-Oyo) at plenary on Thursday.

    The bill seeks to establish  Road safety Special Armed Squad and make corps on the rank of Deputy Corp Marshal enjoy benefits attached to that grade including retirement grade.

    The bill also seeks to empower the commission with the responsibility for road traffic administration and safety management.

    The bill, when passed into law will empower the commission supervise of users of public roads, regulate traffic, clear obstruction on any part of the public roads with the aim of preventing and minimising road traffic crashes on public roads.

    The bill seeks to mandate the commission to educate drivers, motorist and other members of the public on the proper use of public roads and other related matters.

    In his ruling, the Speaker of the house, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas referred the bill to the committee on FRSC for further legislative actions.

    In a related development, the house tasked  FRSC to embrace technology-assisted enforcement, which includes Automatic Vehicle Local (AVL) systems, Automated Traffic Enforcement (ATE) systems, advanced analytics and data platforms among other potential options to manage traffic.

    The call was sequel to the adoption of a motion by Rep. Garba Muhammad (. ) at Thursday’s plenary.

    Moving the motion, Mohammed said that FRSC officers patrol the highways, apprehend traffic offenders, issue traffic regulations to deter dangerous driving and regulate the issuance of driver’s licenses to ensure only qualified individuals operate vehicles on the roads;

    He said that FRSC enforcement methods of physical checkpoints pose potential risks to commuters, the location of checkpoints on steep inclines or declines can be dangerous.

    According to him, the risks are especially for motorcycles and tricycles, application of sudden brake or swerve maneuvers to avoid checkpoints can lead to accidents.

    The lawmaker explained that checkpoints create bottlenecks, especially during peak hours, leading to traffic jams and delays coupled with alleged reports FRSC officials engaging in corrupt practices at checkpoints soliciting bribes from motorists, or impounding vehicles for minor offenses.

    “Worried that the FRSC’ practice of using motorcycles and vehicles to chase commuters for traffic offenses raises concerns as the chase was always on high speed, posing a risk to bystanders, and resulting in loss of control leading to injuries and minor accidents.

    “Also worried that while the FRSC goal of enforcing traffic laws is understandable, it is crucial to prioritise the safety of everyone on the road, but chasing commuters should be a last resort, employed only in situations where it is absolutely necessary and can be done safely,” he said.

    The house urged the Federal Road Safety Commission to evaluate the effectiveness of enforcement strategies in reducing traffic violations and improving safety.

    In his ruling, the speaker mandated the House Committee on FRSC to ensure compliance. (

  • Police recover explosives, arms in Rivers

    Police recover explosives, arms in Rivers

    The Police Command in Rivers has seized Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), arms and ammunition from suspected cultists in the state.

    The command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, revealed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Port Harcourt.

    She said that the command’s C4i Strike Force and local vigilance group arrested a suspected cultist, Samuel Nwokoma, who led them to where the arms were hidden in Diobu area of Port Harcourt.

    “The arrest and seizures mark significant progress in addressing the recent wave of cult-related attacks and killings in Diobu.

    “The arrest of Nwokoma, 25, a member of the notorious Blood Star cult group, took place on March 17 around 7 a.m., following credible intelligence.

    “Nwokoma has been linked to several cult-related killings within Diobu area of Port Harcourt,” she said.

    Iringe-Koko explained that after the arrest, interrogators were able to extract a confession regarding his alleged involvement in two cult-related attacks in the area.

    “On March 14 at about 8:30 p.m. the suspect, along with his gang, attacked and fatally shot Ede Sunday, 32, at Nanka street by Lumumba in Diobu.

    “Similarly, on March 16, the gang also shot George Johnson, 28, in the chest at Ojoto street by Emenike in the same area.

    “Despite receiving immediate medical attention at New Mile One Clinic, Johnson tragically succumbed to his injuries,” she added.

    The command spokesperson stated that following his confession, Nwokoma led police operatives to his gang’s hideout at Ogwu Waterside in Diobu.

    Upon reaching the hideout, she said the cultists fled through an adjacent river close to the hideout.

    “Officers proceeded to search the hideout and recovered three AK-47 rifles, one assault rifle, six AK-47 magazines, one Beretta pistol and 274 rounds of 7.6mm live ammunition.

    “Additionally, 105 rounds of 6.55 live ammunition, nine rounds of .9mm ammunition, seven packets of IEDs, one long wire used for detonating explosives and various charms were recovered.

    “The recovery of these dangerous weapons and explosives will neutralise an immediate threat to public safety and underscores the command’s dedication to combating violent crimes,” she added.

    Iringe-Koko said efforts were underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects and urged residents to provide useful information that could facilitate their arrest.

  • “Illegal arms manufacturing is of national concern, but…” – Ned Nwoko

    “Illegal arms manufacturing is of national concern, but…” – Ned Nwoko

    Senator Ned Nwoko (PDP-Delta) says Nigeria Army’s discovery of an illegal bomb and arms factory in a community in Delta on Wednesday is of national concern.

    Senator Nwoko, who was reacting to the discovery in Abuja on Saturday, said while decisive action needed to be taken to prevent the proliferation of illegal arms manufacturing, talents behind such factories could become national assets in the building of legitimate industries for development.

    Troops of the 63 Brigade of the Nigerian Army discovered the illegal arms manufacturing factory at Onicha-Olona community in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta on Wednesday.

    Nwoko said amidst the discovery laid an opportunity for positive transformation.

    “The talents demonstrated, albeit unlawfully, by those involved in the arms manufacturing can be redirected towards lawful and productive endeavours.

    “It is evident that Nigeria’s economy is facing significant challenges, exacerbated by escalating importation.

    “As indicated by the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria has experienced a dramatic surge in its expenditure on arms, witnessing a remarkable 418 per cent increase in weapons imports between 2022 and 2023.

    “As a nation, we must look inward and harness our indigenous talents for the greater good.

    “The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) must take proactive steps to engage with individuals possessing such skills and offer them legal avenues for their expertise to flourish,’’ Nwoko said.

    DICON is the state-run defence corporation of Nigeria and operated by the Nigerian Armed Forces. It is responsible for the production of defence equipment and civilian products.

    Nwoko noted that engaging such talents would help DICON to produce adequate arms and ammunition for the armed forces and for other security agencies responsible for national security.

    “Findings within the illegal factory included a cache of arms and sophisticated equipment for manufacturing improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

    “Also found was the manufacturer’s ability to modify AK47 magazines to carry 60 rounds of ammunition instead of the standard 30 rounds.

    “These point to the need for rational solutions to discoveries such as this,’’ he said.

    Nwoko, a member of the Senate Committee on Defence stressed that an individual capable of modifying an AK47 magazine, originally designed to hold 30 rounds, to accommodate 60 rounds using rudimentary equipment, held immense potential.

    He said that with proper legal support and access to adequate resources, the manufacturer could achieve much more.

    He noted that the Ministry of Science and Technology had a huge role to play in such matters as well.

    “How else can we grow our indigenous scientists and technologists’’? he queried.

    “We need a system where any invention or special skills are embraced and acknowledged.

    “We don’t need to reinvent the wheel.

    “Even someone showing the ability to replicate anything should be funded in an organised manner that could lead to improvement in technology and the creation of jobs in the process.

    “In this case, the young man’s passion and ability to build drones should be harnessed and put to good use,’’ Nwoko stressed.

  • “We are not seeking FG’s permission to bear arms” – FRSC

    “We are not seeking FG’s permission to bear arms” – FRSC

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Sunday dismissed reports that it was seeking the permission of the Federal Government for its officers to bear arms.

    In a statement issued in Abuja, Corps Public Education Officer, Assistant Corps Marshal Bisi Kazeem urged the public to disregard the report.

    “The attention of the FRSC has been drawn to a report that the corps marshal is seeking the permission of the Federal Government for personnel of the corps to bear arms.

    “The erroneous statement credited to the representative of the corps marshal at the passing-out parade of FRSC cadets in Kotangora, Niger, does not reflect the current position of the corps marshal and the management team,’’ Kazeem stated.

  • Troops neutralise 4 terrorists, recover arms in Kaduna

    Troops neutralise 4 terrorists, recover arms in Kaduna

    Troops of Operation Forest Sanity have eliminated four terrorists and recovered arms and ammunition as well as other items in two encounters in Kaduna State.

    Maj-Gen. Musa Danmadami, Director, Defence Media Operations, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Danmadami said the troops had on Sunday and Monday responded to distress calls of bandits’ attacks at Rafin Sarki village in Giwa Local Government Area, Kaduna State.

    He said the troops engaged the terrorists in a gunfight and neutralised two , recovering one AK 47 rifle.

    He added that troops had also on Tuesday, carried out an ambush operation at Rafin Taba village, in the same local government area and neutralised two terrorists.

    According to him, troops also recovered two AK 47 rifles, four AK 47 magazines, 51 (7.62mm) special ammunition, five mobile phones, one cutlass, two motorcycles, and the sum of N206,000.

    “The military high command commends troops of Operation Forest Sanity and encourages the general public to avail troops with credible and timely information on criminal activities,” he said.

  • Nigeria not ripe to allow citizens bear arms – NSCDC boss

    Nigeria not ripe to allow citizens bear arms – NSCDC boss

    Dr Ahmed Audi, Commandant General, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says Nigerians are not ripe to be allowed to bear arms.

    Audi made the observation when he featured on the NAN) Forum in Abuja.

    “I strongly disapproved of it. Even now that there is no law in existence, you still have proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the hands of people.

    “It has to do with civilisation and education.

    “Even in Europe and America where they have that law where virtually everybody once you can drive can have arms, they are trying to control it now because of how some events unfold.

    “In the world, especially in Europe and America, somebody will just wake up and just go to a school and open fire on kids. You know that is madness.

    “And so for me, I don’t think we are there yet to allow citizens carry arms.”

    The CG also spoke on the efforts being made by the NSCDC to address farmers/herders clashes in the country.

    He said that the Corps, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, had trained over 3,000 Agro Rangers to provide security to farms and other agro allied investments.

    The CG said that the unit was a specialised department, which also help to reconcile farmers and herders.

    “They are still there and presently we have even trained about 3,000 of them and as you can even see me sitting here, this is their uniform, the uniform of Agro Rangers.

    “They are under a department called Peace and Conflict Resolution, and using Alternative Dispute Resolution, they have settled over 1000 cases between farmers and herders nationwide.

    “You can see them visibly in Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Adamawa, Enugu and they are there doing their work, “he said.

  • Denying Amotekun right to bear arms exposes Southwest – Akeredolu

    Denying Amotekun right to bear arms exposes Southwest – Akeredolu

    Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu has fault the Federal Government’s objection to the proposed use of arms by the Western Nigeria Security Network, Amotekun.

    He said the denial of the right of Amotekun to bear arm to protect the people of the State violated the tenents of federalism.

    Akeredolu said in a statement that equity and justice are required in Federal Government’s relationship with all the component units.

    He said:”The video making the rounds showing the equivalent of the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun Corps) in Katsina, obtaining the approval of the Federal Government to bear arms is fraught with great dangers.

    “Denying Amotekun the urgently needed rights, to legitimately bear arms is a repudiation of the basis of true federalism which we have been clamoring for.

    “That Katsina was able to arm its state security force with the display of AK47 means we are pursuing one country, two systems.

    ” If the Katsina situation conferring advantages on some, in the face of commonly faced existential threats, it means that our unitary policing system, which has failed, is a deliberate method of subjugation which must be challenged.”

    Akeredolu added:”The Independence agreement was based on a democratic arrangement to have a federal state and devolved internal security mechanics.

    “We must go back to that agreement. Denying Amotekun the right to bear arms exposes the Southwest to life-threatening marauders and organized crime. It is also a deliberate destruction of our agricultural sector. It is an existential threat.

    “We want to reiterate, that what is sauce for the goose, is sauce for the gander. Ondo State government under the doctrine of necessity have decided to fulfil its legal, constitutional and moral duty to the citizens of the State, by acquiring arms to protect them. This is more so, given that the bandits have an unchecked access to sophisticated weapons.

    “The State Government cannot look on while its citizens are being terrorised and murdered with impunity. We will defend our people.”

  • Akeredolu pleads with FG to allow Amotekun carry weapons

    Akeredolu pleads with FG to allow Amotekun carry weapons

    The Ondo State Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, has urged the Federal Government to allow Amotekun Corps to carry sophisticated weapons in order to protect the people.

    Speaking on his recent position on the oil pipeline surveillance contract awarded to private individuals and organisations, Akeredolu explained that his position was to allow Amotekun to bear sophisticated arms like the non-state actors who were engaged in protecting the oil pipelines.

    The governor stated this on Wednesday at the inauguration of the newly reconstructed office complex on the premises of the Ondo State Oil Producing Area Development Commission in Oba-Ile, in the Akure North Local Government Area of the state.

    Decrying the precarious security situation in the country, Akeredolu vowed that he would continue to take the bull by the horn in protecting the people of the state.

    He said: “Most of the people and even some of my colleagues didn’t really understand my position on the oil pipeline surveillance contract. I have no issue with the Federal Government awarding surveillance contract to anybody. It is Federal Government’s money. They can use it anyhow they want.

    “Here, we are spending our money on Amotekun. And what I said in my statement titled ‘Who actually needs weapon’ was that the Federal Government should allow Amotekun to carry sophisticated weapons like those whom they awarded pipelines surveillance contracts.

    “If you can allow individuals to carry heavy arms to protect pipelines, why won’t you allow Amotekun to carry sophisticated weapons to protect the people? The oil facilities are not more important than the lives of the people,” he said.

    Governor Akeredolu, who disclosed that some arrests had been made in connection to the abduction of some burial guests in Ifon on Saturday, said the victims who had been released were scared to come and identify their abductors.

    He lauded all the security agencies in the state, including Amotekun, for their great work in securing the victims’ release.

  • War: Russia warns U.S. against sending more arms to Ukraine

    War: Russia warns U.S. against sending more arms to Ukraine

    Russia on Monday warned U.S. against sending more arms to Ukraine.

    The country’s ambassador to Washington warned that large Western deliveries of weapons were inflaming the conflict and would lead to more losses.

    Russia’s Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine has killed thousands of people, displaced millions more and raised fears of a wider confrontation between Russia and the U.S., by far the world’s two biggest nuclear powers.

    The U.S. has ruled out sending its own or NATO forces to Ukraine but Washington and its European allies have supplied weapons to Kyiv such as drones, Howitzer heavy artillery, anti-aircraft Stinger and anti-tank Javelin missiles.

    Anatoly Antonov, Russia’s ambassador to the U.S., said such arms deliveries were aimed at weakening Russia but that they were escalating the conflict in Ukraine, while undermining efforts to reach some sort of peace agreement.

    “What the Americans are doing is pouring oil on the flames.”

    “I see only an attempt to raise the stakes, to aggravate the situation, to see more losses,” Antonov told the Rossiya 24 TV channel.

    Antonov, who has served as ambassador to Washington since 2017, said an official diplomatic note had been sent to Washington expressing Russia’s concerns, and that no reply had been given.

    “We stressed the unacceptability of this situation when the United States of America poured weapons into Ukraine, and we demanded an end to this practice,” Antonov said.

    The interview was replayed on Russian state television throughout Monday.

    U.S. President, Joe Biden, pledged 800 million dollars in more weaponry for Ukraine on Thursday and said he would ask Congress for more money to help bolster support for the Ukrainian military.

    President Vladimir Putin says the “special military operation” in Ukraine was necessary because the U.S. was using Ukraine to threaten Russia and Moscow, who had to defend the persecution of Russian-speaking people.

    Putin said Ukraine and Russia were essentially one people, describing the war as an inevitable confrontation with the U.S., which he accused of threatening Russia by meddling in its backyard and enlarging the NATO military alliance.

    Ukraine added that it was fighting an imperial-style land grab and that Putin’s claims of genocide were nonsense.

    Zelenskiy has been pleading with U.S. and European leaders to supply Kyiv with heavier arms and equipment.

    Putin warned in February that there would be no winners in a conflict between NATO and Russia, which had the world’s biggest arsenal of nuclear warheads.

  • Soludo offers amnesty to IPOB members, says drop your arms

    Soludo offers amnesty to IPOB members, says drop your arms

    Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, on Monday offered amnesty to members of IPOB pleading that they should their arms and embrace a meaningful life in society.

    The professor of Economics pleaded with them to come out of the different forests in the State and lay down their arms to forge meaningful lives.

    Soludo said following the unanimous agreement of the leaders across board and the endorsement of the entire body of Christ, he had decided to end Monday sit-at-home.

    He said: “I am pleased to inform our people that today, Monday, April 4, 2022 marks the official end to the “Monday sit-at-home” in Anambra State.

    “Shortly, I will be announcing the membership of the Peace and Reconciliation Committee that will look into addressing all areas of sincere challenge, including interfacing with the Federal Government on behalf of all Prisoners of conscience.

    “I have also offered Amnesty to all our brothers in the various forests around us. Give us your guns, and trust us to help you forge a meaningful living.”

    The Governor stated these on his official Facebook page on Monday.

    “We have prayed to God, admonished our people and made commitment to ensuring that everyone concerned gets expeditious justice.

    “The task of taking back our dear State and reclaiming the dignity of our collective existence is at the heart of our drive towards a Liveable and Prosperous Homeland.

    “This task is a MUST. I call for your support and prayers, as we have resolved to fiercely go after criminal elements who are out to threaten our peace and distort our development,” Soludo said.

    Meanwhile, Christians across the Southeast offered prayers to God at 11 am today for peace to return to Igboland in particular and Nigeria in general.

    In a statement issued by the representatives of Igbo Archbishops and Bishops on peace and Conflict Resolution, the clergy listed eight prayer points that today’s spiritual exercise was meant to accomplish.

    They said the Prayer should focus on the following prayer points:

    “That God deliver Nigeria from the violence and evil machinations of those who are hell-bent on destroying the country, especially, as we approach the 2023 elections.

    “That God bring about a total deliverance from all manifestations of insecurity in Igboland and restore peace and socio-economic dynamism and vitality in the Igbo homesteads of Nigeria.

    “That our son, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and all political agitators in Nigeria, be shown consideration, receive justice and be allowed to defend themselves, in cases of criminal accusations, properly, without drama, prejudice and preconceptions, legally like any other citizens of Nigeria.

    “That God cause change of heart in murderers, hoodlums and hooligans and make them recognise the sacredness of human life.

    “That God protect our security agents, and give them the courage and determination to apprehend unrepentant agents of violence, death and destruction and bring them to justice, wherever they may be.

    “That God restore in our youth, belief in His Commandments, a sense of love and the spirit of charity, so that they can use their energy, knowledge, talents, time and opportunity to build a future for all to His glory alone.

    “That by the grace of God, justice, equity, fainess and progress will reign in Nigeria.

    “That God give the Federal Government of Nigeria and of our own political leaders, the wisdom, courage and the honesty to constructively and transparently address the challenges facing the Igbo homesteads of Nigeria which are at the root of youth restiveness and violence in our States.”

    The day of prayer in Alaigbo was themed: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn away from their wicked ways, I will forgive their sins and will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14).”

    In a statement on Sunday, the Bishops said, “We are horrified by the wide-spread insecurity, the continuing and widening destruction of lives and property, and the socio-economic disruption this has caused in our country and, particularly in ala Igbo, in recent times.

    “We may be tempted to think that there is nothing we can do to make a difference. But as Christians, we believe that prayers made with sincere faith can move mountains and calm every storm. Our enemy, the devil, would rather have us do any other thing but pray in this critical season of our lives as a people.

    “Today, almost all the Igbo homesteads in Nigeria seem to be falling under the control of perpetrators of violence and death. We witness daily the relentless attacks and mindless killings of innocent people either by unknown gunmen, kidnappers, security agents or some unscrupulous and criminal elements. We, your servants in the brotherhood of Christ, share in the deep sorrow and pain of our brethren.”

    “Accepting that ‘unless the Lord watches over the city, in vain do watchmen keep vigil’ (Ps 1 27:1 ) we, Igbo Archbishops and Bishops, invite all Christian faithful in ala Igbo and other men and women of goodwill across Nigeria and the world to unleash the force of prayer and call down divine favours from God for a radical change in our society. Nothing compares with the power of God.

    “We therefore call on all Igbo sons and daughters, irrespective of their religious affiliations, and all men and women of goodwill to en-masse, cry out to God, our Loving Father, who has the power to put an end to this pain and misery. This prayer campaign will be led by the Archbishops, Bishops and the clergy of all Christian denominations in ala Igbo on Monday, 4. April, 2022.

    “It will take place within the premises of the Cathedrals, Churches and prayer houses across ala Igbo by 11:00am and we enjoin the faithful wherever you maybe across Nigeria, or abroad to pause and join in fellowship as we seek the face of our Father.

    “Like Nehemiah of old, we your servants invite all, our dear Igbo sons and daughters, to come together especially in this Lenten season, a period of prayer and sober reflection, to rebuild our society through prayer, repentance, hard work and determination.

    “We can and must rebuild our lives together in faith because ‘with God all things are possible’ (Mt.19:26). This is a clarion call for Ndigbo to arise and shine for our light has come (Isaiah 60:1). May the blessings of God the Almighty Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be on you all, on our nation and more especially on Igboland. Amen.”

    The statement was signed by Most Rev Dr. Anthony J. V. Obinna, Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Owerri; Most Rev. Dr. Emmanuel O. Chukwuma, Bishop of Enugu; Most Rev. Dr. Chibuzor R. Opoko, Methodist Archbishop of Umuahia; Most Rev. Dr. Valerian M. Okeke, Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha; Most Rev Dr. Uma A. Onwunta, Past Principal Clerk, Presbyterian Church Nigeria; Bishop Obi Onubogu, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria; and Rev. Dr. Abraham Nwali, Chairman CAN Southeast Zone.