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Guns: Interesting, Common Firearms Used by Man
Guns: Interesting, Common Firearms Used by Man
By: Balami Lazarus
During the nationwide protest, I kept myself busy with the book I am writing, having left it laying fallow for some time. And at times I will go out and sit nearby with some young men, listening to their wild discussions and arguments, and from time to time they will ask for my opinion, which I sincerely give out to encourage them along. One of these days, the young boys brought up the issue of guns, which caught my interest with rapt attention.
Writing about guns for me is like walking down the lane of cowboy history. Therefore, not much has been written on guns as firearms apart from what war historians were able to churn out. Guns have never interested many people, likely because of what they heard about them. Just like snakes, where more lies were heaped on them.
Whenever and wherever I tell people that one of the human inventions that I like and that fascinate me are guns, Immediately from their minds, I sensed their thought of you as either a suspect or a criminal. My interest in guns as a young boy gave me the idea to aspire to be a licensed arm dealer, but long ago the ambition was gone like smoke in the air.
Guns and their ammunition fascinate me, and it also baffles me to this day. Its mechanism is superb. Speed and the killing firepower, especially the handguns, leave one wondering. Our days of social entertainment were in cinemas and other places that were for my contemporaries.
The western movies of the old wild west (cowboys films) must have influenced my love for guns. Late Mallam. Soro, our age-long neighbor who was a professional hunter, also fired my love for guns. Funny enough, I never had one, having made several unsuccessful attempts to acquire one apart from the toys and guns I had as a kid. It might interest you to also know that everyone of us out there has one interest or the other in one invention or the other. You, as the reader of this piece, will search for yourself and say yes to this.
Little is known of guns by most people apart from hunters who were considered to be the earliest users of these firearms according to gun historians. Officers and men of the armed forces and police are known to have guns. While some other law enforcement agents are included in the use of guns for lawful purposes, but ask some of these men about what they know about guns. I believe you will not be satisfied with what they might tell you. Worst of these is the impression people generally have of guns as a killing machine only.
But I tell you hereinafter that guns are not meant to be used for killings only in a peaceful human environment but for protection and a show of strength. Guns give the holder confidence, courage, and guts because they scare men and audit their motives, putting a halt to their bad intentions. Cowboys historians once said that cattle ranches were no go areas for cattle rustlers for the fear of Winchester; its effective firepower and accurate peep-sight for long-range targets are record-breaking.
Winchester (1873), used by ranchers, was believed to be in every cattle rancher’s collection. It was the old version of the most powerful modern telescopic rifles ever used in the old Wild West. While we take a break from the fascination with guns, Let us connect with the mechanisms in the system of simple handguns and other firearms. Guns are based on physics principles but less on chemistry.
For the chemistry, it lies in the chemical combinations of its ammunition, and those who know better will agree with me. Guns are therefore weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Handguns are made in parts: the nuzzle, trigger, hammer, handle, and others, all assembled into one powerful, strong firearm.
Balami, a Publisher/Columnist: 08036779290
Guns: Interesting, Common Firearms Used by Man
Hunters rescue kidnapped herder, neutralise gang leader in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
A local hunters’ group has successfully rescued a kidnapped herder, Alhaji Babawuro, from captivity in Yobe State without payment of ransom, following a coordinated operation with security authorities.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the Babawuro, a resident of Kurbunga village under Shamka District of the Ngelzarma Emirate in Fune Local Government Area, was abducted at about 2:00 a.m. on Nov. 29, 2025, and taken to an unknown location.
The sources said the incident was reported to the Damagum Police Division on Nov. 30, after which the kidnappers contacted the victim’s family and demanded a ransom of N50 million.
“It was the fifth time the victim had been kidnapped, apparently due to his status as a wealthy herder,” the sources said.
They explained that while negotiations were ongoing and the police were making arrangements to transfer the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation, the Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Yobe State Governor and the Emir of Ngelzarma held consultations with the Commissioner of Police.
According to the sources, it was agreed that a hunters’ group with proven expertise in kidnap rescue operations should be engaged to assist the police.
“The hunters subsequently took over negotiations, which were reduced to N7 million, while efforts were intensified to trace the kidnappers,” the sources said.
They added that the hunters traced the victim and the kidnappers to Sandi village in Gulani Local Government Area.
“At about 4:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11, the hunters stormed the hideout and successfully rescued the victim without paying any ransom,” the sources said.
During the operation, the leader of the kidnap gang, identified as Ahmadu Shuwa, also known as “Sumo,” was neutralised, while another suspect, Mohammed Bello, sustained gunshot injuries.
The sources further disclosed that two other members of the gang were arrested and have confessed to the crime.
The rescued victim, who has since reunited with his family, was treated at the State Specialist Hospital, Damaturu, and later reported the incident at the Damagum Police Station.
Efforts are ongoing to recover the weapons used by the kidnappers ahead of handing over the suspects and exhibits to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and prosecution.
The hunters’ group were commended for their role in the successful rescue operation.
Hunters rescue kidnapped herder, neutralise gang leader in Yobe
Hunters rescue kidnapped herder, neutralise gang leader in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
A local hunters’ group has successfully rescued a kidnapped herder, Alhaji Babawuro, from captivity in Yobe State without payment of ransom, following a coordinated operation with security authorities.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the Babawuro, a resident of Kurbunga village under Shamka District of the Ngelzarma Emirate in Fune Local Government Area, was abducted at about 2:00 a.m. on Nov. 29, 2025, and taken to an unknown location.
The sources said the incident was reported to the Damagum Police Division on Nov. 30, after which the kidnappers contacted the victim’s family and demanded a ransom of N50 million.
“It was the fifth time the victim had been kidnapped, apparently due to his status as a wealthy herder,” the sources said.
They explained that while negotiations were ongoing and the police were making arrangements to transfer the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation, the Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Yobe State Governor and the Emir of Ngelzarma held consultations with the Commissioner of Police.
According to the sources, it was agreed that a hunters’ group with proven expertise in kidnap rescue operations should be engaged to assist the police.
“The hunters subsequently took over negotiations, which were reduced to N7 million, while efforts were intensified to trace the kidnappers,” the sources said.
They added that the hunters traced the victim and the kidnappers to Sandi village in Gulani Local Government Area.
“At about 4:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11, the hunters stormed the hideout and successfully rescued the victim without paying any ransom,” the sources said.
During the operation, the leader of the kidnap gang, identified as Ahmadu Shuwa, also known as “Sumo,” was neutralised, while another suspect, Mohammed Bello, sustained gunshot injuries.
The sources further disclosed that two other members of the gang were arrested and have confessed to the crime.
The rescued victim, who has since reunited with his family, was treated at the State Specialist Hospital, Damaturu, and later reported the incident at the Damagum Police Station.
Efforts are ongoing to recover the weapons used by the kidnappers ahead of handing over the suspects and exhibits to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and prosecution.
The hunters’ group were commended for their role in the successful rescue operation.
Hunters rescue kidnapped herder, neutralise gang leader in Yobe
EXCLUSIVE: President approves establishment of new Nigerian Army Depot in Abakaliki, Ebonyi
By: Zagazola Makama
The President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved the establishment of a new Depot Nigerian Army in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, as part of efforts to expand the manpower and operational capacity of the Nigerian Army.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the new Depot would complement existing Army training facilities and ensure a steady stream of well-trained personnel for deployment across the country.
Military source said the initiative is in line with the Nigerian Army’s strategic plan to enhance national security and produce combat-ready soldiers capable of addressing diverse security challenges, including terrorism, insurgency, and other internal threats.
The new Depot is expected to provide specialist and mission-oriented training, focusing on marksmanship, fieldcraft skills, and operational readiness. It will also incorporate measures to safeguard the welfare and wellbeing of recruits during and after their service.
The establishment of the Depot in Abakaliki follows recent efforts of the federal government to improve manpower of the Nigerian Military.
EXCLUSIVE: President approves establishment of new Nigerian Army Depot in Abakaliki, Ebonyi
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Hunters rescue kidnapped herder, neutralise gang leader in Yobe
Hunters rescue kidnapped herder, neutralise gang leader in Yobe
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