Police move against illegal arms, explosive materials

Acting Inspector-General of Police Suleiman Abba has ordered the establishment of Tactical Operation Points (TOP) in select states in the Northeast and Northwest.

According to a statement by the Force spokesman, Frank Mba, the points would be manned by police personnel trained in tactical operations and counter-terrorism.

The statement said the operation points would be established in various strategic locations and highways in Kano, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Bauchi, Gombe and Taraba states.

“Consequently, the IGP has charged all Assistant Inspectors -General of Police (AIGs) in charge of the zones covering the affected states and all Commissioners of Police in charge of these states to ensure close supervision and constant re-skilling of the personnel performing this special operation.

“The IGP is optimistic that the latest measure will enable the Force to halt further spread of violence in the land and frustrate the activities of insurgents and other criminals.

“He added that the Force is determined to track and mop up illegal arms trade and arrest the unchallenged movement of explosive materials by hoodlums and other unpatriotic elements.

“While noting that the police will always work in close collaboration with other security forces in the land, the IGP vows that the Force will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the citizens of Nigeria enjoy maximum safety and security in their own country.

“The IGP therefore calls on the general public, particularly those in the Northeast and Northwest to cooperate with the police and see any inconvenience this operation may cause as a necessary sacrifice for the greater safety of all.”

The FCT Internal Security Task Force yesterday an exercise code named “Ex Hawk Eye” as part of it efforts to check counter terrorism and counter insurgency.

This is contained in a statement issued by Capt. Charles Ekeowcha, Public Relations Officer, Guards Brigade of the Nigerian Army, in Abuja.

The statement said the joint and multiple agencies approach was meant for commanders, supervising officers, intelligence, operation officers, various unions and other stakeholders in the FCT.

It stated that the exercise was also for the conduct of counter insurgency operations to enable everyone to know his or her tasks, manpower, resources, and other assets available in possible areas of challenges.

According to the statement, the exercise is also required by the participants in the event of a breach of security in the FCT and environs.

In his opening remarks, the Commander of the Task Force, who equally doubled as the Commander Guards Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Anthony Omozoje, expressed happiness on the turnout of security agencies for the exercise.

Omozoje attributed the turnout to the realisation that synergy among security agencies was key to any emergency response among security agencies.

The taskforce commander urged participants to avail themselves the opportunity of the training to improve on the tactics of fighting insurgency and terrorism in the FCT and the country at large.

The taskforce was established in April following the twin bomb blasts at Nyanya, a suburb of the FCT and the EMAB Plaza, which claimed many lives and property.

The statement said that the exercise would end today.