Military
Reps order investigation of missing 178,459 NPF firearms
The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the alleged failure of the Nigeria Police Force to account for firearms totalling 178,459 as of January 2020.
The move is in reaction to audit queries issued against the NPF by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation.
The office had recently said by the end of 2019, the Force Headquarters could not account for 178,459 firearms, out of which 88,078 are AK-47 rifles, according to one of the eight queries issued against the NPF by the office.
The queries are contained in the ‘Auditor-General of the Federation’s Annual Report on Non-Compliance/Internal Control Weaknesses Issues in Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria for the Year Ended 31st December, 2019.’
The Acting Auditor-General of the Federation, Adolphus Aghughu, had presented the report to the Clerk to the National Assembly, Ojo Amos, on September 15, 2021, while the Senate and House Committees on Public Accounts are investigating the queries.
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At plenary on Thursday, the House mandated an ad hoc committee to “establish the veracity of those allegations and conduct due diligence of the control processes of the armoury of the Nigeria Police Force; and report back to the House within four weeks.”
The House also called on the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, to take urgent actions to apprehend those culpable for the depletion of the armoury of the NPF.
The Deputy Minority Leader, Toby Okechukwu, had moved a motion of urgent public importance, which was titled ‘Need to investigate the alleged missing firearms and ammunition of the Nigeria Police.’
Okechukwu said the House was aware of the findings in the report that the police high command failed to keep record of unserviceable and expired firearms and ammunition; owing to non-compliance to the internal control system of the NPF.
He said, “The House is worried that the value of the lost firearms could not be ascertained because no document relating to their cost of acquisition was presented for examination.
“The House is mindful of the worsening state of security, kidnapping and banditry in the country and concerned that the missing arms could have found their ways into wrong hands.
“The House is also mindful that Nigeria did not undertake any war in recent times.”
In a query titled ‘Loss of Firearms and Ammunition,’ the Auditor-General said audit observed from the review of arms movement register, monthly returns of arms and ammunition, and the ammunition register at the Armoury Section that “the total number of lost firearms as reported as at December 2018 stood at 178,459.”
It added, “Out of this number, 88,078 were AK-47 rifles, 3,907 assorted rifles and pistols across different police formations could not be accounted for as at January 2020. Formal reports on the loss of firearms through duly completed Treasury Form 146 (Loss of Stores) were not presented for examination.
“Records obtained from Force Armament at the Force headquarters showed 21 Police Mobile Force Squadron, Abuja did not report a single case of missing firearm, whereas, schedule of missing arms obtained from the same PMF showed a total number of 46 missing arms between year 2000 and February 2019, and the value of the lost firearms could not be ascertained because no document relating to their cost of acquisition was presented for examination.”
The office attributed the “anomalies” to “weaknesses in the internal control system at the Nigeria Police Force Armament.”
Army troops recover 75,000 litres of stolen crude oil in bonny, River state
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), have recovered about 75,000 litres of stolen crude oil in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Sources told Zagazola that troops of the 146 Battalion (Maritime) discovered a wooden boat anchored around the Lady B creeks, loaded with the crude oil suspected to have been illegally bunkered.
The recovered items were handled in accordance with the directives of OPDS, the statement added.
Military authorities reiterated their commitment to combating oil theft and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta, urging residents and stakeholders to cooperate with security agencies to protect national resources.
Army troops recover 75,000 litres of stolen crude oil in bonny, River state
Troops arrest suspected spy, recover weapons in Cross River
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation UDO KA have arrested a suspected spy attempting to infiltrate a military defensive position in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 9:55 a.m. on Wednesday at Isabang settlement while allegedly conducting reconnaissance on troops’ locations.
According to the sources, troops of the 245 Battalion intercepted the suspect during a routine security sweep, leading to his arrest.
Items recovered from the suspect include a short locally made pistol, a cutlass, a torchlight and two mobile phones.
“During preliminary investigation, the suspect admitted to being a spy allegedly sent by a criminal group to carry out reconnaissance within the community,” the source said.
He added that the suspect also provided useful intelligence, including the identity of one Christopher Emmanuel, popularly known as “Black Stone,” as a member of the group responsible for a recent attack on troops in the area.
The sources noted that troops have since intensified aggressive patrols across the Odonget general area and its environs to deter further hostile activities.
They reaffirmed the commitment of security forces to sustaining pressure on criminal elements and ensuring the safety of residents.
Troops arrest suspected spy, recover weapons in Cross River
Troops arrest two suspected drug peddlers in Abia raid
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army operating under Operation UDO KA have arrested two suspected drug peddlers during a raid in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State.
Security sources disclosed that the operation was conducted at about 6:00 p.m. on March 14 by troops of the 145 Battalion (Rear) under Operation Crush, Sector 1.
According to the sources, the troops carried out a targeted raid on a suspected drug peddlers’ hideout located along Bende Road following credible intelligence about illicit drug activities in the area.
During the operation, two suspects were apprehended while in possession of substances suspected to be psychotropic drugs.
The troops recovered the exhibits at the scene and secured the area before concluding the operation.
Military authorities said the suspects and the recovered items had been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) command in Umuahia for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Security officials noted that the operation formed part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb criminal activities within the state.
They reiterated the commitment of troops to sustain intelligence-driven operations in collaboration with relevant law enforcement agencies to ensure a safe and secure environment for residents
Troops arrest two suspected drug peddlers in Abia raid
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