The Bauchi State Police Command has trained members of the National Association of Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria and the Waste Recycling Association of Nigeria, Bauchi State Chapter, on how to identify improvised explosive devices and other dangerous materials.

The Commander of the Police Bomb Squad, DSP Sunday Ekphah, speaking at the training in Bauchi on Wednesday, said the sensitisation became necessary to equip waste dealers with the skills to recognise metals and other items commonly used in fabricating explosive devices.

He explained that the campaign was a collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the national bodies of the unions, and is being implemented across all states of the federation.

Representing the Commissioner of Police, Sani Ololori Aliyu, Assistant Commissioner of Police Musa Muhammad Amadu urged participants to be vigilant at scavenging sites to ensure their safety. He cautioned them against buying metals from unknown sources and advised them to report any suspicious items to the police.

He stressed the importance of collective responsibility in securing the country, noting that security is everybody’s business and encouraging citizens to report anything unusual in their surroundings.

The Chairman of the Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers Association of Nigeria commended the police for the sensitisation and pledged to extend the knowledge gained to members of the association.

Scavengers from across the 20 local councils of Bauchi State attended the training.