Defence/Security - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Philip Daniel Yatai
Feb, Fri, 2025

NAFOWA donates educational materials to indigent students in Abuja

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Air Force Officers Wives Association (NAFOWA) on Thursday, distributed educational materials to indigent students of Junior Secondary School, Asokoro, Abuja in commemoration of the 2025 International Day of Education.

The items included school bags, writing materials, text books and cheque for payment of school fees.

The President of NAFOWA, Mrs Rakiya Abubakar, said the event was part of NAFOWA’s humanitarian activities to celebrate the world education day usually celebrated on Jan. 24 every year.

Abubakar said that NAFOWA recognised the power of learning and the doors it could open for all, adding that education remained the key to a bright future.

“Education gives you the tools to overcome challenges because it teaches you how to think, solve problems and create new opportunities not just for yourselves or your families, but for your community, your country and the world at large.

“Never let anyone tell you that you cannot succeed because you are strong, you are capable and full of potential,” she said.

Abubakar said the association, as a non-governmental organisation, understood the importance of education and felt the need to extend the gesture to outside the military community.

“Though we have schools, and we do that among our children in schools, we felt we should go to neighboring communities and also encourage the students to study,” she added.

The Principal of the School, Malam Jafaru Madaki, expressed gratitude to the air force officers’ wives for choosing his school out of many schools in the city.

Madaki said the assistance would support the students, especially those whose parents could not afford to buy them exercise books and school bags.

“This association came and gave this to the school and they were also able to pay school charges for some students. It is a great day for us,” the principal said. (NAN)

Edited by Shuaib Sadiq and Yakubu Uba

BPP e-procurement promotes audit, says Tunji-Ojo

Ismail Abdulaziz
Feb, Fri, 2025

Defence/Security

BPP e-procurement promotes audit, says Tunji-Ojo

336 total views today

By Kelechi Ogunleye

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, says that the implementation of the electronic-procurement system by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) will promote audit trail.

Tunji-Ojo lauded the initiative when the BPP Director General, Adedokun Adebowale alongside security heads of all agencies under the ministry paid a visit to his office on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Minister who is also the Chairman of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) approved the nomination of retired Maj.-Gen. Abdulmalik Jubrin as the secretary to the board.

The Minister said that e-procurement will enable Information Technology (IT) security, accountability, barrier breaking and turnaround response time.

“I want to advise that the e-procurement should be your major project because it will get rid of corruption within the system.

“What you are trying to do will also expand and increase our economy space, so for me, it’s what we need at this stage.

“You are being abroad does not mean you must relocate to Nigeria just because you want to do business in Nigeria as this is the era of performance beyond borders,” he said.

He attributed the setbacks and abandonment of some Federal Government projects to delays in procurement

He revealed that the use of technology by the ministry has fostered successes and monitoring of activities across the agencies under the ministry, especially in the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

“As regards passport administration, I monitor on my dashboard in the office every passport office in the whole world, so, I know how many passports is being produced daily.

“Naturally there are only three ways to make people efficient; that is, efficiency by being persuasive, secondly; efficiency by letting them know they are being trailed as the fear of the unknown makes them to perform.

‘Thirdly, let them know there are consequences for inaction just as there are rewards for action,” he said.

The Minister, while congratulating the new BPP DG on his appointment, said that the ministry was ready to partner with BPP to ensure a successful implementation of its plans, adding that the development of the country was a joint task.

In his earlier remarks, the BPP DG said that the ministry was a prove that the use of technology was the way to go in achieving organisational goals.

“I will put it on the table now that I am coming back to you to learn how you have been able to upscale what we have seen all around the agencies you oversee because we want to go e-procurement which is a paperless situation,’ Adedokun said.

He said he was dedicated to building a system where anyone home or abroad could partake in the procurement process without visiting BPP Abuja office.

Adebowale added that his office was also working on ensuring that with the budget of 2025, the procurement cycle starts and ends at most on May 31.

“Complete all your awards, then from June we want to begin to see implementation, performance and everyone on the field because we want Nigerians to feel everything we say we will do, physically.

“We have decided and are working hard to ensure the turnaround time is now maximum 20 days which means you must get a yes or no feedback on or before the 20th day.

“When we say no, we are actually saying clarify, when we decline that doesn’t mean rejection, we are only saying, please give us additional information to enable us defend you in your absence,” the DG said.

Responding to the approval by the minister, the new secretary to the CDCFIB promised to use his experience in making a difference in the board.

“I promise by the grace of God not to fail in my service as I seek the cooperation of the agencies that I am serving as secretary to extend same cooperation they have extended to my predecessor for greater service delivery,” Jubrin said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Ismail Abdulaziz
Feb, Fri, 2025

Defence/Security

Police nab man over $597,000 romance scam

464 total views today

By Monday Ijeh

The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) said its operatives had arrested a suspect over 597,000 dollars romance fraud.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said this at a news conference on Thursday in Abuja.

Adejobi said the suspect was arrested for allegedly defrauding a female American, Deborah Woods, through an online love romance.

He said the suspect had fraudulently assumed the identity of an American, using a fake name, to deceive and exploit unsuspecting victims, primarily women in online romance scams.

He said the suspect, arrested over identity theft, computer-related fraud and money laundering had confessed to defrauding the victim.

The police spokesman said a search of the suspect’s premises led to the confiscation of multiple electronic gadgets, used in perpetrating the illicit activities.

Adejobi said eight BMW vehicles, suspected to be proceeds of the crime, recovered from the suspect were currently in the police custody, while efforts were ongoing to trace and identify other victims.

In a related development, Adejobi said operatives of the NPF-NCCC arrested two suspects in connection with the creation and distribution of compromised financial accounts.

The police spokesman said the suspects had used the accounts to facilitate fraudulent transactions amounting to over N400m.

According to him, investigations reveal that the suspects were recruited via Telegram by an unidentified foreign cybercriminal.

He said the duty of the first suspects was to create Moniepoint financial profiles, using pre-registered SIM cards and email addresses, and distribute to local accomplices across different states for Know Your Customer (KYC) verification.

Adejobi said the second suspect distributes the KYC verifications for the compromised accounts, and fraudulently obtains Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs) and KYC details from individuals within his community.

He said the suspect uses the identities to upgrade the accounts to Tier 5 verification.

“Upon completion of the KYC process, the second suspect hands over the verified accounts to the first suspect who changes the passwords to secure them for their unknown foreign contractor.

“Both suspects had confessed to the crimes and further revealed that they received payments in cryptocurrency for their services.

“They are currently facing prosecution at a Federal High Court in Abuja for Computer-Related Fraud, Impersonation and Criminal Conspiracy in accordance with the provisions of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act,” he said.

Adejobi said the Nigeria Police Force, in January arrested a total of 84 suspects over cyber related offences.

He said 32 of the suspects were arrested through the NPF-NCCC, while 52 were arrested by the Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) in Lagos.

Adejobi attributed the successes to the Action Plan and the zeal of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to redeem the reputation of Nigeria. (NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Ismail Abdulaziz
Feb, Thu, 2025

Defence/Security

FRSC, NDLEA partner on illegal drug use

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By Ibironke Ariyo

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is partnering with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other stakeholders in a campaign against illicit drug use by motorists across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The FRSC is also collaborating with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to ensure that all motor parks across the country maintain cleanliness.

FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, made the announcement on Thursday while leading heads of various government agencies and the President of the Court of Appeal on a sensitisation campaign.

The campaign took place at the Jabi Central Motor Park in Abuja is aimed at raising awareness on road safety and the dangers of illicit drug use among motorists.

Mohammed stated that these efforts were critical to achieving the success of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Programmes on safety and environmental cleanliness.

He expressed concern over the illegal trade and consumption of illicit drugs at motor parks across the country and emphasised that the FRSC would continue to withdraw the licenses of motorists caught consuming alcoholic beverages or illicit drugs.

“The intake of illicit drugs endangers not only the drivers’ lives but also the lives of those around them.

“We will not rest until we ensure that our roads are safe for everyone,” he said.

He added that this year, the FRSC would place greater emphasis on strict enforcement and prosecution of traffic offenders for effective traffic management.

Speaking at the event, NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, who was represented by NDLEA FCT Commander, Mr Kabir Tsakuwa, urged commercial drivers to refrain from taking illicit drugs, calling it hazardous to their health.

Marwa stressed that the NDLEA was committed to making Nigeria free of illicit drugs and highlighted that Jabi Park had been a long-standing partner in ensuring the park was free from drug sales and consumption.

Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, President of the Court of Appeal, expressed concern about the many lives lost to road accidents, especially young Nigerians, due to illicit drug use by commercial drivers.

She appealed to transport union leaders across the country to join the campaign against alcohol and drug consumption at motor parks to bring order to the roads.

NESREA Director General, Dr Innocent Barikor, emphasised the importance of keeping motor parks clean and avoiding littering, which could damage vehicles and lead to accidents.

In response, one of the leaders of the Jabi Central Motor Park, Mr Gabriel Okeh, thanked FRSC, NDLEA, NESREA, and other agencies including NGOs, for bringing the campaign to the park.

He pledged the park’s support for government efforts to sanitise the environment and make roads safer.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the FRSC Corps Marshal, President of the Court of Appeal, and other stakeholders inspected kiosks and shops within the motor park.

They encouraged the vendors to halt illegal commercial activities, including the sale of illicit drugs, in the interest of saving lives. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

FCTA approves N3.6bn for construction of 3 police stations

Philip Daniel Yatai
Feb, Thu, 2025

Defence/Security

FCTA approves N3.6bn for construction of 3 police stations

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has approved N3.6 billion for the construction of three police divisional headquarters and staff quarters in Kuje, Gwagwalada, and Kwali Area Councils.

Mr Adamu Gwary, Director of the Security Services Department, FCTA, said this in Abuja on Thursday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the first FCT Executive Committee meeting of 2025.

Gwary, a fellow of the National Defence College, stated that the move aimed to enhance security infrastructure across the FCT.

He recalled that in September 2024, the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, emphasised the need to bring security closer to the people, particularly those in satellite towns and rural communities.

The minister had also directed the provision of critical infrastructure, including the construction of two police divisional headquarters in each of the six area councils.

Gwary explained that nine divisional headquarters had already been approved and were near completion.

“At that time, nine were approved, and today, three more have been presented and approved, making it two divisional headquarters in each of the six area councils.

“This aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, ensuring effective, efficient, and adequate security for FCT residents.

“This support also fulfils the FCT minister’s promise to improve security in the city, satellite towns, and area councils, following his visit to the six area councils in 2024,” he said.

Gwary assured that security support would continue and noted that the Wike-led FCTA had made significant progress in tackling crime in the FCT.

He stated that insecurity indices in the territory were declining and reaffirmed the FCTA’s commitment to further reducing crime.

He urged security agencies to intensify efforts to ensure that the minister’s support achieves the desired impact.

Earlier, the Chief of Staff to the Minister, Mr Chidi Amadi, stated that the FCT Executive Committee meeting was the first in 2025 and the 12th under the Wike-led administration.

Amadi explained that 12 memos were presented at the meeting, some of which were stepped down, others withdrawn, and some updated for future presentation.

He added that the committee approved six memos focused on providing critical infrastructure in the FCT. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

100 illegal miners arrested in Jos – official

Lydia Beshel
Feb, Thu, 2025

Defence/Security

100 illegal miners arrested in Jos – official

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Mining

By Zainab Oyekan

Mr Yabilsu Dogo, Permanent Secretary, Plateau Ministry of Environment Climate Change and Mineral Development has said that no fewer than 100 illegal miners have been arrested in Jos.

Dogo made this known on Thursday in Jos in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Dogo said that the ministry has been collaborating with the police to stop the illegal activities.

He said Illegal mining has continued to pose serious threats to both human settlements and the environment in Plateau.

He said one major immediate danger of illegal mining was land degradation as illegal miners dig indiscriminately, creating deep pits and tunnels that weaken the soil structure.

“You know that overtime this would lead to increased incidents of land subsidence and sinkholes, making the ground unstable for buildings, roads, and other infrastructure.

“We had building collapse in Jos last year, illegal mining compromises the integrity of buildings, making them susceptible to collapse, especially during heavy rains or seismic activity,” he said.

Dogo said most times illegal miners get trapped in the holes and many had lost their lives in the process.

The permanent secretary said that government revenues were lost due to unregulated mineral extraction, depriving the state of funds that could be used for development.

He however, said that to mitigate these effects, the Plateau government had strengthened enforcement measures to promote sustainable mining practices.

Dogo said plans had been put in place to create awareness about the dangers of illegal mining and also provide alternative livelihoods for illegal miners. (NAN)
Edited by Yakubu Uba

How ICPC recovered N20bn ghost workers’ pension deductions in 2024 – Chairman

Philip Daniel Yatai
Feb, Wed, 2025

Defence/Security

How ICPC recovered N20bn ghost workers’ pension deductions in 2024 – Chairman

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By Isaac Aregbesola

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it recovered over N20 billion in pension deductions from the salaries of ghost workers in 2024.

The Chairman of ICPC, Dr Musa Aliyu, said this on Wednesday in Abuja at a breakfast meeting with some members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors.

Aliyu said that the commission also arrested some people who specialised in inserting names of their cronies into the Federal Government payroll.

According to him, while deductions for workers’ pension are remitted to Pension Fund Administrators, the same cannot be said for ghost workers’ pension.

“Any deduction made on ghost workers cannot go to any Pension Fund Administrator.

” It will be hanging; so that was the N20 billion recovered.

“We have been able to track and recover this amount of money and we also identified people that are inserting ghost workers in the system.

“We even discovered that somebody put his wife, his son and his inlaw on the payroll.

” He is a 15-year-old boy. We arrested him.

“ These are some of the challenges that we are trying to see that we tackle.

” We don’t want to allow this to happen again,” he said.

The chairman further revealed that the commission succeeded in blocking about N50 billion from being diverted by some public officers in 2023.

While seeking the support of the media in achieving the commission’s mandate, he said that the anti-graft agency had put in place strategies to fight corruption.

He said that the commission was trying its best to achieve its goal, adding that it would not hide information or compromise on enforcement

“As we are empowered and regarding the issue of enforcement, we will ensure that we share verified information through reports, newsletters and press releases on our website and social media.

“Last year, we had an event whereby we unveiled the Strategic Action Plan 2024-2028

” Our strategic Action Plan is in line with the National Anti-Corruption Strategy.

“We would always be proactive in making sure that we don’t allow certain things to happen so that we don’t go chasing shadows,” he said.

The chairman, however, advocated a review of the nation’s laws to make corruption less attractive.

According to him, anyone found guilty of corruption should not benefit from it as in some jurisdictions.

Aliyu said such persons should be made to pay the full amount involved into public coffers with interest and barred from holding public office for as long as 10 years.

He urged Nigerians to stop eulogising corrupt people, saying this had been at the heart of the rot in society.

He pledged to transform the commission to a leading anti-graft agency in the country with the mutual relationship established with the media.

“Our partnership with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has greatly improved our anti-corruption communication and public engagement efforts.

“We salute your commitment to the crusade against corruption and our successful efforts in 2024.

“We believe that our combined professional integrity would lead us to achieve more in our mandate of mass mobilisation against corrupt practices in Nigeria,” he said.

Miss Hussaina Akila, the Director of News, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, in her remarks, lauded the ICPC chairman for initiating the forum.

Akila, however, urged the anti-graft agency to ensure comprehensive insurance of its operatives, saying this would boost their morale.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was attended by editors and bureau chiefs from the northern part of the country. (NAN)

Edited by Mufutau Ojo

Centre advocates spontaneous reportage of military, security operations

Philip Daniel Yatai
Feb, Tue, 2025

Defence/Security

Centre advocates spontaneous reportage of military, security operations

510 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje/Martha Agas

The Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), a non-governmental organisation has called on the military and security agencies to be spontaneous in releasing information on their operations to ensure that citizens are carried along.

The Chairman of CCC, retired Maj.-Gen. Christopher Olukolade, made the call at a news conference organised by the centre on Tuesday in Abuja.

The theme of the News conference is, “Setting Agenda for Nigerian Security Forces in 2025”.

Olukolade said there was a need to review the current communication strategies to carry the public along and ensure that Nigerians understand and appreciate what the agencies are doing to ensure security.

He urged military and security agencies to allow professionals to run their information management.

“We want to advocate, for instance, that in terms of their strategy that these agencies, particularly the armed forces, should discard this tendency of biweekly reporting.

“We are advocating a more spontaneous reportage on the achievements and activities related to the nation’s security.

“A practice where we have a biweekly briefing by one agency or organisation, or even collectively, may not be able to carry the public along sufficiently.

“This approach often leads to information overload, and it makes it difficult for the public to fully comprehend and appreciate the efforts of the agencies.

“So instead of that, we are recommending that they adopt a more responsive communication strategy that provides regular updates, if possible, on a real-time situation or as much as possible.

“This will ensure that the public can be properly and well carried along and ensure that they will no longer be in doubt of both the achievement and the essence of security operations all over the country,” he said.

Olukolade, a former defence Spokesman, said the public would appreciate the work of the security agencies more, if they apply more of operational precision.

He added that the security agencies would need to invest more on training, intelligence gathering and equipment handling to be able to achieve precision.

He lauded the military, other security and intelligence agencies for the recent improvement, urging them to continue to build on their successes in ensuring enhanced security for the nation.

The CCC boss also called for the establishment of clear protocols for identifying and engaging targets, as well as procedures for mitigating civilian casualties during operations.

He added that community collaboration with security agencies should be encouraged to ensure that their efforts were not only appreciated, but contribute to the nation’s security.

“We are already working closely with many of them and the local communities, and the security forces can gain more value and insight into a security situation if they are more disposed to carrying the public along.

“So, the Nigerian security forces should foster stronger relationships with, particularly, the local leaders in areas where they operate.

“Then the issue of interagency collaboration should be consolidated and be made more robust.

“It is interesting that there are less and less clashes among the agencies. We believe and we wish that in the years ahead, such will be upheld, and clashes among agencies will be a thing of the past.

“So, the agencies can continue to share intelligence, they can continue to collaborate, and they reduce the level of duplication that leads to the rivalry that tends to affect operations and possibly cause some crisis, both in terms of the conduct of their mission or in terms of communicating their achievements,” he added.

Olukolade also urged the Nigerian security force to leverage on cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and all other innovations and development in technology to enhance intelligence gathering.

He added that security forces should continue to build on and improve on what they had, both in terms of logistics base and content, as well as training of personnel.

He said that the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) had made impressive progress in defence production. (NAN)

Edited by Christiana Fadare

Lydia Beshel
Feb, Tue, 2025

Defence/Security

Civil disputes: I-G warns against misuse of police authorities

459 total views today

Authorities

By Monday Ijeh

The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has warned against the misuse of police authority in civil disputes, particularly, matters of land ownership.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja.

Egbetokun said police officers had no jurisdiction over purely civil matters unless there was an underlying criminal element involved.

According to him, even in such cases, investigations must be overseen by the Commissioners of Police in charge of the state, who will be held accountable for the process and outcome.

The I-G also raised concerns over the unwarranted and unethical practice of transferring ongoing cases, and misusing of public office by certain officers and individuals.

Egbetokun said the practices, which undermine investigations and diminish public confidence in the force, would no longer be tolerated.

He said transparency, professionalism and accountability must remain the guiding principles of policing in the country.

“In line with this, all supervising officers and personnel, particularly those in investigative units, should handle cases with diligence and integrity.

“Any officer found engaging in indiscriminate transfers of case files or misusing their office will face strict disciplinary actions,” he said.

He said the recurring practice of transferring cases still under investigation between formations without authorisation had been deemed unacceptable.

Egbetokun said such actions create unnecessary delays, impose undue burdens on parties involved and waste resources.

“Cases should be investigated within the jurisdiction where alleged offenses occurred unless expressly approved by his office,” he added.

Egbetokun condemned the filing of frivolous or malicious petitions aimed at harassment or intimidation and vowed to address the issue.

According to him, moving forward, all petitions submitted to the police must now include a declaration confirming their authenticity and genuineness.

He said the petition must clearly state that the complaint had not been submitted to any other law enforcement agency.

The police boss said that if it had, it must have been withdrawn before involving the police.

“Petitioners found to have filed frivolous petitions will be made to face the appropriate sanctions for giving false information to the police,” he said.

Egbetokun urged the public to submit complaints and petitions directly to the appropriate Police Commands, Divisions, or Units rather than to the I-G’s office.

He said except in cases requiring review, appeal, or special intervention.

The I-G cautioned the public against framing civil disputes as criminal matters to manipulate police intervention. (NAN)

Edited by Stanley Nwanosike/Joseph Edeh

DICON’ll meet demands of military, other security agencies- FG

Ismail Abdulaziz
Feb, Sat, 2025

Defence/Security

DICON’ll meet demands of military, other security agencies- FG

547 total views today

By Muhammad Tijjani
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has said that the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) would meet the demands of the military and other security agencies.

Matawalle said this at the DICON’s end-of-year celebration and Director-General’s
(D-G) Productivity Award ceremony on Friday in Kaduna.

He said that the recent assent of the DICON Act 2023 by President Bola Tinubu has paved the way for the corporation to strengthen Nigeria’s defence capabilities.

Matawalle emphasised that the defence ministry would continue to limit procurements outside the country.

The minister said, “Any requirements of the military or other security agencies have to come to DICON for supply.

“Before now, we send our money to other countries, devalue our currency which makes the dollar go higher because we don’t have a productivity plan.

“Today, we thank God that with the leadership of the DICON’s director-general, the industry is seeing a lot of changes.”

Matawalle said that DICON would reach its peak in military and paramilitary requirements particularly in the production of arms and ammunition.

He said he earlier never believed that DICON could produce 10,000 rounds of ammunition.

“Today, DICON is able to produce so many rounds of ammunition and forward to the military.

“Our target is to produce 300 million rounds of ammunition.

“We will also be producing other military equipments like MRAPs, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and other equipment for the military and paramilitary agencies,” he added.

Matawalle said the end-of-year celebration and productivity award was supposed to be held annually so as to engender motivation to the staffers.

He commended the director-general, his management staff and other workers for their dedication and hard work.

Earlier, the DICON’s boss, Maj.-Gen. Anaedi Edet, said the celebration and award were to mark the successful conclusion of the corporation’s 2024 activities and production year.

Edet said that DICON was established with the mandate to enhance the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Armed Forces by ensuring Nigeria’s self-reliance in essential military hardware.

He, however, said the mandate was not just for defence, but a strategic move to foster technological advancement and industrial development within Nigeria.

Over the decades, he said, DICON had evolved significantly to meet the dynamic needs of the armed forces.

“Initially focused on the production of small arms and ammunition, we adapted to address the increasingly complex and contemporary threats facing our nation.

“As the landscape of defence technology and industry expanded, so too did our scope, including venturing into civilian applications that leverage our technological capabilities,”he said.

Edet said the corporation had resumed productive activities in spite of the numerous challenges.

In spite of the recorded successes, he said that the corporation has continued to face significant challenges.

These, he said, include funding constraints, outdated equipment, skill gaps and the pressing need for staff training and certifications.

“Looking ahead, we are focused on securing new funding opportunities, investing in modern production lines, and prioritising the training and development of our workforce.

“With a clear vision and dedicated team, DICON is well-positioned to overcome these challenges and achieve even greater success.

“Our ‘All DICON factories must produce’ initiative reflects our commitment to technological innovation and collaboration for the security and prosperity of our nation.

“The DICON end-of-year celebration is not just an occasion to reflect on our achievements, but also a call to action for all employees and stakeholders,”he said.

Edet, therefore, said the event was also a time to recognise and celebrate the exceptional staff who distinguished themselves in 2024.

He addedbthat it highlighted the hard work and dedication of those who have contributed to DICON’s successes.

He assured that DICON would remain unwavering in its commitment to fulfilling its mandate.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani