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Small Arms becoming weapons of mass destruction, FG Warns

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The Federal Government has expressed concern about small arms.The FG says small arms are slowly becoming weapons of mass destruction as their proliferation has caused tremendous harm to communities and individuals, especially women and children.The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, said this in Abuja yesterday at a two-day multilateral meeting with stakeholders of the Lake Chad Basin region.The meeting, with the theme ‘Cubing Proliferation of SALW in the Lake Chad Basin Region’, was organised by National Centre for the Control of SALW, Office of the National Security Adviser. Representatives of the three other countries of Lake Chad Basin Region including Cameroon, Niger and Chad attended the meeting.Mustapha said: “The proliferation of small arms in the lake Chad Basin is a major security concern that has far-reaching consequences for the region.“It has contributed to the escalation of conflict and violence and has impeded the economic and social development of the countries in the region.“It is, therefore, imperative that we work together to curb the proliferation of small arms in the Lake Chad Basin region,” he said. (NAN)He said countries in Lake Chad Basin region should establish an enduring network and synergy to stem proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in the region.“If we must put an end to the senseless and mindless violence of Boko Haram and other violence mongers that are widespread in the region,” he said.He stressed the need to work together to implement the existing international and regional agreements, on small arms control and to promote the development and implementation of new ones.“We also need to engage in dialogue and cooperation to increase public awareness and to mobilise resources for small arms control initiatives,” he said.The National Security Adviser, Babagana Mongonu, expressed concern on the devastating effects of the illicit circulation of small arms and light weapons.He said the profiferation of these weapons fuels conflicts, exacerbates violence and undermines peace and security in the Lake Chad region.“We must take decisive action to address this menace and protect the lives and livelihoods of our citizens.“This meeting provides us with opportunity to collaborate and share experiences and strategize towards curbing the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.”He said that Nigeria was absolutely committed to playing its part in the efforts to tackle SALW proliferation in the Region.Mongonu said Nigeria had taken steps to enhance its national firearms control regime, including the establishment of a National Centre for the Control of SALW, and the signing of the ECOWAS Convention on SALW.“However, we recognise that this is not a problem that any one country can solve alone.“We must work together as a region to address the root causes of this problem including poverty, underdevelopment and poor governance.“We must also strengthen our border control measures to prevent the illicit flow of small arms and light weapons across our borders.“Let us use this opportunity to build strong partnerships and develop practical solutions that will make a real difference in the lives of our citizens,” he said.National Coordinator, National Centre for the Control of SALW, retired Maj.-Gen Abba Mohammed, decried the effect of the proliferation of SALW in the region.According to him, the prevalent insecurity in the region has led to the loss of countless lives, displacement of communities and hindered the socio-economic development of the region.“It behoves on us to take drastic measures to find lasting solutions that will help to reduce and eradicate the proliferation of SALW,” he said

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Subsidy: Petrol hits N1,200 Per Litre in Ebonyi

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Petrol now sells for N1,200 a litre in Ebonyi state, according to a report by NAN. The shocking change came after President Bola Tinubu announced the removal of fuel subsidy. Resident of Abakaliki in Ebonyi state were forced to buy petrol at a staggering N1,200 on Tuesday, according to the report. Scores of residents, who decried the high cost of petrol in the country, said they have since been engaged in panic buying. Some residents were also seen with their cans as many filling stations were under lock. A resident, Darlington Okeke, said panic buying was occasioned by Tinubu’s statement during his inauguration on Monday. Okeke stated that petrol in filling stations was sold between N800 and N1,200, against N230 per litre. Another resident, Ibrahim Ali, said black marketers sold a litre of fuel for N1,500, adding that the development was causing panic buying and frustration among residents. He, however, appealed to Tinubu to address the situation to mitigate panic buying and arbitrary hoarding of the products, which marketers introduced after the announcement by the president. Meanwhile, staff of some filling stations, who spoke under condition of anonymity, disclosed that the management of the Petroleum Dealers Association, Ebonyi State chapter, ordered the closure of fuel stations. “We are waiting for further directives,” they told NAN. Efforts to speak with the state chairman of the association, Sailas Njaka, on the development were not successful.

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Troops eliminate ISWAP top commanders, 55 terrorists in Borno

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At least 55 Islamic State–West Africa Province terrorists have been eliminated by Nigerian troops. Those killed included top commanders of the terrorist group. The mission was carried out by the Multinational Joint Task Force in Arege, Malam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State. The Niger Ministry of Defence said that it conducted a 22-day operation tagged Operation HARBIN ZUMA, targeting ISWAP strongholds. The operation, it said, was coordinated by troops of Sector 3 and Sector 4 of the MNJTF. The operation started on May 6, 2023, and ended on Sunday, May 28. According to its report, several top ISWAP commanders, including Fiya Abouzeid, Qaïd Abou Oumama, and Qaïd Malam Moustapha, as well as some religious leaders whose identities are unknown, were killed during the 22-day Operation HARBIN ZUMA. The Niger-Nigerian Air Task Force and land forces worked together to locate the enemy and cause significant damage. The troops destroyed 13 vehicles, 13 motorcycles and five Vehicles Borne Improvised Explosive Devices. Two soldiers from Nigérienne Sector 4 MNJTF were killed, three were slightly wounded, and one phantom Mrap was damaged during the operation. However, The Niger Ministry did not disclose any casualties on the Nigerian side. The main aim of Operation HARBIN ZUMA was to neutralise terrorists in their stronghold in Aregé, Nigeria. The operation also aimed to maintain pressure on the Islamic State in West Africa and eliminate any presence of armed terrorist groups in the BOSSO, BAGA, GOUDOUMBALI, and GASHIGAR areas. The operation also planned to cut off all supply routes for armed terrorist groups and reduce the threat in the region.

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I pray Atiku succeeds in Nullifying Tinubu’s victory – Omokri

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A former presidential aide, Reno Omokri has asked God to help Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party to nullify President Bola Tinubu’s victory. Omokri took to social media to pray to God. The staunch Atiku’s ally applauded Tinubu for his bold statement on subsidy removal, meeting the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Governor, Godwin Emefiele, and the Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Mele Kyari, same day he assumed office. Tweeting, Omokri said unlike the immediate last president, Muhammadu Buhari, Tinubu started work immediately he assumed office. According to Omokri: “Making a bold statement on subsidy removal and backing it up with action. Meeting Godwin Emefiele, then Mele Kyari.“Making a string of appointments. Asserting his authority over the DSS in their face-off with the EFCC.“Tinubu, unlike Buhari, has hit the ground running. I sincerely pray that our petition will succeed and President Tinubu’s election will be nullified.“But be that as it may, I must commend the actions of his first 24 hours in office.”

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