FG developing database to track producers of IEDs, others
Again, Senate meets security chiefs for solution to insecurity
The Federal Government is developing a biometric database at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to identify and apprehend individuals involved in the illegal production, distribution and sale of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), landmines and bombs to terrorists and criminal gangs.
Relatedly, barring a last-minute change of plan, the Senate will, once again, meet with security chiefs next week in Abuja to address the escalating insecurity in parts of the country.
The National Coordinator, National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj-Gen Adamu Laka, disclosed, yesterday, in Abuja: “This biometric database will be used to identify those who specialise in manufacturing IEDs. We are working closely with the United States of America (U.S.) and British governments, along with other security and intelligence agencies, to achieve this.”
Speaking at the Counter-IED Symposium, Laka explained that the major challenge in combating IED threats was the easy availability of materials used in their production.
He explained: “Most materials used to manufacture these explosives are readily available in the open market. For instance, we have restricted the movement of urea-based fertiliser to the North East because its nitrate content is extracted for IED production.”
However, insurgents have adapted by sourcing alternative materials from markets, leading to continued threats. Laka assured that public awareness campaigns would continue alongside security measures, emphasising that strict legal measures were in place for those involved in the illicit supply of explosive materials.
“Yes, there are adequate punishments. The judiciary will handle the prosecution. Some individuals have already been identified and are awaiting trial. We will follow the rule of law because Nigeria is a signatory to international human rights best practices.
“The British High Commission has established a Counter-IED Centre in Maiduguri, while the U.S. government has been training our troops for the past four years. This has significantly improved their ability to detect, prevent and respond to IED incidents.” In his remarks, Commissioner of Police (Explosives Ordnance Department), Patrick Atayero, underscored the national security threat posed by IEDs.
THE security chiefs expected to engage with the Red Chamber include the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Chris Musa; Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla and Chief of Air Staff (CAS), AVM Hassan Abubakar.
Others are the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun; Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Ajayi; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mohammed Mohammed.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, announced this while commenting on a motion entitled ‘Urgent Need for the Federal Government to Deploy Troops to Immediately Restore Law and Order in Gwer-West Local Council of Benue State’.
The motion, sponsored by Titus Zam (Benue North-West), was in response to incessant attacks and killings in the area by suspected herdsmen. In its resolutions, the Senate urged security agencies to take immediate action to restore law and order in Gwer-West and other affected regions. It called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to provide relief materials to affected communities.
Additionally, the Senate urged the Benue State Government to enforce the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law to restore peace in the state. It further mandated its committees on Defence, National Security and Intelligence, Livestock Development and Agriculture to visit Gwer-West for an on-the-spot assessment of the situation. The committees were also tasked with expressing sympathy to bereaved families and affected residents while expediting the passage of the Open Grazing Prohibition Bill.
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