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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
News
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Global Anti-Drug War as NDLEA Officers Graduate from U.S. DEA Academy
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Global Anti-Drug War as NDLEA Officers Graduate from U.S. DEA Academy
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening global collaboration in the fight against illicit drug trafficking and transnational organised crime as officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) completed advanced training at the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony on Friday, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), said the increasing sophistication of criminal networks across borders requires deeper international cooperation and a coordinated global offensive.
Marwa stressed that criminal syndicates no longer operate within isolated territories, making intelligence sharing, joint operations and capacity building among nations indispensable in dismantling drug cartels and organised crime groups.
The ceremony, held at the elite DEA Training Academy, brought together officers from Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya for an intensive programme designed to sharpen investigative, operational and strategic enforcement capabilities. Participants were equipped with advanced skills to combat complex drug trafficking networks and related transnational crimes.
Describing the event as deeply significant, Marwa noted that the course was dedicated to members of the Special Investigative Unit (SIU) who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty. He paid tribute to the fallen officers, describing them as heroes whose courage and sacrifice continue to inspire law enforcement agencies worldwide.
Referencing the course motto, “Different nations, shared duty, one fight,” Marwa said it captured the collective resolve of partner countries against the global drug menace. He emphasised that only a unified, intelligence-driven response can effectively confront criminal enterprises that thrive on cross-border operations.
The NDLEA boss expressed confidence that the knowledge and competencies acquired by the graduating officers would significantly enhance the operational effectiveness of their respective agencies. He charged them to apply the training with integrity, professionalism and courage upon returning home, while upholding the highest standards of service.
Marwa also conveyed Nigeria’s appreciation to the United States Department of Justice, the DEA leadership and instructors for their continued mentorship and investment in capacity development.
He said the graduation marked not the end of training but the beginning of renewed responsibility, urging the officers to protect vulnerable communities and confront criminality wherever it threatens societal stability.
Marwa expressed optimism that the partnership between the NDLEA and the DEA would continue to deepen, yielding sustained success in the shared fight against illicit drugs and organised crime.
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Global Anti-Drug War as NDLEA Officers Graduate from U.S. DEA Academy
VP Shettima Attends High-Level Meeting On Africa’s Health Security Sovereignty
By: Our Reporter
Shortly after his bilateral discussions with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, Vice President Kashim Shettima moved on to a high-level meeting on Building Africa’s Health Security Sovereignty on the sidelines of the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The session, organized by Africa CDC and fully supported by the Nigerian government, convenes African leaders and health policymakers to chart the path toward strengthening the continent’s health emergency preparedness, response systems, and pharmaceutical independence.
Joining the Vice President at the meeting are key Nigerian officials including the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yussuf Tuggar.
Other African health ministers in attendance include Dr. Ibrahim Sy of Senegal, Madalisto Baloyi of Malawi, and Dr. Mekdes Daba of Ethiopia.
VP Shettima Attends High-Level Meeting On Africa’s Health Security Sovereignty
ISWAP suspected in Baga abduction of five civilians
By: Zagazola Makama
Five civilians were abducted on Feb. 12, 2026, by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Doro Baga, Kukawa Local Government Area, Borno State, the Police Command reported.
Sources disclosed that the victims, Alhaji Sani Boyi, Bullama Dan Umaru, Baba Inusa, Abubakar Jan Boris, and Mallam Shaibu, were taken while purchasing fresh fish at a local market around 7:00 a.m.
The troops of Sector 3 Operation HADIN KAI, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF)/hunters immediately responded to the incident.
Relevant intelligence has been gathered, and search and rescue operations are ongoing to secure the release of the victims.
ISWAP suspected in Baga abduction of five civilians
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Global Anti-Drug War as NDLEA Officers Graduate from U.S. DEA Academy
VP Shettima Attends High-Level Meeting On Africa’s Health Security Sovereignty
ISWAP suspected in Baga abduction of five civilians
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