Page 1483 – News Agency of Nigeria

Olawunmi Ashafa
Jul, Tue, 2023

Subsidy removal: Nigeria’s petrol daily consumption figure reduces by 35%

165 total views today

By Yusuf Yunus

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) says country’s petrol daily consumption figure stands at 46.34 million litres per day, due to subsidy removal by the Federal Government.

Mr Ahmed Farouk, Chief Executive, NMDPRA, disclosed this during a stakeholders meeting with oil and gas downstream operators on Monday in Lagos.

He said that the figure represented 35 per cent reduction when compared with the 65 million litres per day, prior to subsidy removal.

According to him, an average truck out on daily basis for petrol consumption, after announcing subsidy removal on May 29, reduced to 46.34 millions litres per day.

“The current daily consumption has drastically reduced as against 65 million litres which had been the daily consumption before subsidy removal.

“In January, it was 62 million litres per day ; February, 62 million litres per day; March, 71.4 million litres per day; April, 67.7 million litres per day; May 66.6 million litres per day; June, 49. 5 million litres per day and July, 46.3 million litres per day,” he said.

The NMDPRA boss said that the
essence of the meeting was to review the downstream sector after the subsidy removal and also to thank marketers who had taken the offer to import petrol.

On petrol importation, Farouk said that over 56 companies applied for import licenses to bring in petrol, while only 10 made commitment to import.

He said that currently three marketers, namely Emadeb Energy, A.Y Shafa and Prudent Energy had imported petrol into the country.

He added that others, like 11 Plc, are also indicating interest to import petrol in August and September, respectively.

“The era of subsidy payment is gone, we encourage all marketers who are interested in importing petrol to apply for license.

“The meeting is to encourage marketers to import, so that there will be availability of petrol at every nooks and crannies of the nation.

“The marketers have the choice to fix their price, because it is a free market where there will be competition.

“It is no longer Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) dominating the market, there will be other players to compete with NNPCL.

“We do not want any dominant player in the market, that was why we liberalised the market for everybody to play, ” Farouk emphasised.

Farouk said that the

authority was working with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), to checkmate marketers from taking unduly advantage of the consumers.

He said that the NMDPRA would ensure consumer protection at every station, adding that the quality of products import would be focused upon, to avoid substandard petrol.

“We will ensure safety, consumers protect and standard in ensuring quality control within marketers.

NAN reports that the meeting had in attendance managing directors of all downstream sector operators, delegation of Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) and Depots Owners Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), among others.

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Ex-maritime authority chair, Jaafaru, bags award of excellence

Salisu Sani Idris
Jul, Mon, 2023

General News

Ex-maritime authority chair, Jaafaru, bags award of excellence

364 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Qausain TV, a renowned Nigerian Television Network, has bestowed its prestigious “Award of Excellence” on Alhaji Munir Jaafaru, the former Managing Director of the National Maritime Authority.

The TV’s National President, Malam Nasir Idris, made this known in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the award recipient, Jaafaru, currently holds the esteemed title of Madakin Zazzau Emirate.

Idris enumerated the compelling reasons behind Qausain TV’s decision to honour Madakin Zazzau, acknowledging his remarkable contributions to the community and the nation as a whole.

“Alhaji Munir Jaafaru has excelled as a lawyer, technocrat, administrator and an esteemed elder statesman. His exemplary leadership in various capacities deserves recognition by Nigeria and its people,” Idris said.

Receiving the award, the elder statesman expressed gratitude to the TV station for finding him worthy of the award, saying he was elated at the unexpected recognition.

He also lauded the network for its exceptional programme content and valuable services, which have positively impacted the Nigerian society and beyond.

“I was not expecting such a recognition from any organisation. I was so much surprised for that and I thank you for finding me worthy of this honour.

“I and my family are always tuned to your television station, enjoying the informative and educative programmes in Hausa, English and Arabic,” he said.

While congratulating Qausain National President for his commitment, Jaafaru also appealed to young Nigerians to partake in the pursue of their careers for the good of Nigeria and Nigerians.

See also Ondo suspends activities of NURTW, RTEAN
In 2021, Munir Jaafaru was elevated from Yariman Zazzau to the position of Madakin Zazzau, the highest ranking title for a prince in Zazzau Emirate, by the His Royal Highness, the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Ahmed Bamalli. (NAN)

Edited by Vincent Obi

Women seek 35% female ministerial appointment

Salisu Sani Idris
Jul, Mon, 2023

Politics

Women seek 35% female ministerial appointment

193 total views today

By Taiye Olayemi

The Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to deliver on his campaign action plan of having at least 35 per cent of women on his ministerial list.
Its Chief Executive Officer, Mufuliat Fijabi, made the call during a zoom media conference organised by Women Radio 91.7.
Fijabi expressed concerns over the President’s recent appointment of special assistants and personal aides where only 25 per cent and 15 per cent of women were appointed respectively.
According to her, other African countries have made considerable progress in women representation.
She, however, called on the new administration to uphold the 35 per cent affirmative action.
Also, Amina Agbaje, National President of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), explained the need for gender equity and transparency in the president’s list.
Agbaje urged women groups to send a delegation to the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, to lobby for the consideration of the 35 per cent quota system for women on the ministerial list.
Ladi Bala, National President of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), emphasised that media engagements were critical to keeping the advocacy for 35 per cent affirmative action for women to garner the attention it deserves.
Adewummi Onanuga, the Deputy Chief Whip, House of Representatives, expressed her confidence in Tinubu to deliver on his promises.
Similarly, Jamila Babuba, APC Professional Women North East Coordinator, expressed assurance that the president would appoint at least 35 per cent women in his cabinet.
Chikas Kumle, a social justice advocate, highlighted the critical role of women in an inclusive government, urging President Tinubu to include at least 35 per cent of APC women on his ministerial list.
Zainab Abdulrasheed, Programmes Officer, Women’s Rights Advancement & Protection Alternative (WRAPA Nigeria), highlighted the importance of inclusive advocacy on behalf of marginalised and excluded voices in implementing the 35 per cent affirmative action to achieve Sustainable Development Goals.
Saka Azimazi, former Deputy Director, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), called for grassroots advocacy and male support to achieve affirmative action for women at all levels of government.
Enebi Opaluwa, Senior Research and Policy Analyst BudgIT, decried the absence of women in policy-making processes in Nigeria.
The APC campaign action plan for a better Nigeria gave assurances to increase women’s participation to at least 35 per cent in all government positions.
No government since the Fourth Republic has achieved the appointment of 35 per cent women as ministers. (NAN) (nannews.ng)
Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Group seeks data-driven digital solutions for better healthcare in communities

isaac aregbesola
Jul, Mon, 2023

General News

Group seeks data-driven digital solutions for better healthcare in communities

217 total views today

By Angela Atabo

An NGO, eHealth Africa, has called on governments, health stakeholders in Nigeria and the rest of Africa to invest in data-driven digital solutions for better healthcare in underserved communities.

A statement by the Communications Manager, Judith Owoicho, on Monday in Abuja, said ehealth Africa works on building stronger health systems in Africa.

According to Owoicho, there is a need for collaboration amongst all stakeholders to build digital solutions that will improve early detection of potential health emergencies and effective preparedness and response.

She said that this has informed the organisation’s upcoming multi-stakeholder Insight Learning Forum, with the theme “Digital Innovations in Public Health Practice: Lessons and Innovations.”

Owoicho said that the forum would serve as an annual country digital health learning event, bringing together professionals and practitioners in the digital and public health sectors.

She added that the aim was to share experiences, insights, and knowledge regarding the use of digital health innovations in public health implementation.

“The summit is expected to showcase emerging digital health tools, platforms, and technologies that are shaping the future of healthcare delivery.

“It will also provide a platform to discuss ways to ensure that digital health solutions are accessible and equitable for all populations, regardless of socioeconomic status, geography, or health status.

“The Insight Summit presents an opportunity to showcase digital innovations in telemedicine and remote care delivery.

”It also provides digital tools for patients’ engagement and self-management, artificial intelligence and machine learning in healthcare, data privacy and security in digital health,’’ she said.

“Some of the innovations to be demonstrated include the Logistics Management System (LoMIS), Vaccine Direct Delivery, Laboratory Management Information System (LAMIS), Electronic Management of Immunization Data (EMID), among others,” she said.

Reiterating this, Executive Director of the Organisation, Atef Fawaz said that the past two years have been challenging.

This is more so with the COVID-19 pandemic exposing the weaknesses in Nigeria’s healthcare systems and their inadequate preparedness and response to health emergencies.

Fawaz therefore, emphasised the need for organisations to bridge the healthcare gap, particularly in underserved communities across Africa.

He stated: “Aligned with our vision at eHA, we believe that communities can achieve better healthcare outcomes through data-driven digital health solutions.’’

Fawaz said that this underscored the organisation’s decision to host a multi-stakeholder Insight Learning Forum, with the theme “Digital Innovations in Public Health Practice: Lessons and Innovations”.

He said that the forum would serve as an annual country digital health learning event for professionals to share experiences, insights, and knowledge regarding the use of digital health innovations in public health implementation.

Similarly, David Akpan, the Deputy Director of Programmes and Impact in Programme Delivery, said that the Insight Learning Forum had the potential to serve as a platform for showcasing digital health solutions that make a profound impact.

He said: “Building upon the success of the Insight webinar series that commenced over a year ago, we are delighted to inaugurate the Insight Learning Forum.

“This platform will enable practical demonstrations of digital solutions, highlighting success stories, lessons learned, impacts, and prospects, particularly for Nigeria and Africa’s healthcare systems.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Court orders closure of police case in suit against APGA National Chairman

isaac aregbesola
Jul, Mon, 2023

Judiciary

Court orders closure of police case in suit against APGA National Chairman

215 total views today

By Taiye Agbaje
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Bwari has abruptly closed a case filed by the Nigerian Police against the National Chairman, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Edozie Njoku, and another over alleged conspiracy to alter a judgment of the Supreme Court delivered by retired Justice Mary Peter Odili.
Justice Mohammed Madugu, who gave the order due to failure of police prosector, Rinasomte Ezekiel, to produce other witnesses in court, directed Njoku and Chukwuemeka Nwoga, the defendants in the charge, to open their case.
Justice Madugu observed that the defendants were charged to court on Nov. 22, 2022 by the police.
He said Ezekiel had made the court to see the urgency of the matter, and assured that he would close his case within two weeks.
The judge, however, expressed dismay that since Nov. 22, 2022, the police lawyer had only called two witnesses, with several adjournments.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on July 4, Justice Madugu had threatened to close the case of the prosecution if he failed to produce his remaining witnesses in court on the next adjourned date.
At a resumed trial, the judge, based on the oral application by the police lawyer for a 5-minute stand down, magnanimously stood the matter down for an hour to enable the prosecution counsel to call his witnesses.
However, upon resumption of sitting, Ezekiel informed the judge that his remaining witnesses said they would not appear before the court.
He said the witnesses asked him to inform the court of their pending application before the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court for the matter to be transferred to another court.
When asked by the judge about his opinion on the development, Ezekiel said “everybody has freedom of expression” and that he aligned himself with the application of the witnesses.
Ezekiel sought an adjournment pending the time the CJ would take action on their application.
Reacting, the defence counsel, Panam Ntui, opposed the application for an adjournment.
He said the court had indulged the prosecution for so long a time, stressing that “even some of their excuses are untenable and lack any iota of probative value.
“This latest antic is aimed at delaying proceedings, and shouldn’t be allowed.
“It is on record that from November 2022, when the defendants were arraigned, the prosecution said in two weeks, he would be closing his case.”
Ntui argued that criminal case is of public interest and not for self aggrandizement of the prosecution counsel.
“The prosecution counsel had at four different occasions pleaded for an adjournment including this stand down today.
“Even when the prosecution asked for five minutes, the court granted over an hour stand down for the prosecution to call his remaining witnesses.
“This court still has an inherent jurisdiction to go on with this matter except at a time, transfer to another court is endorsed by the CJ,” he said.
The lawyer urged the court to close the case of the prosecution, having failed to call his witnesses.
“We are ready to open our defence,” he prayed the court.
Justice Madugu, who ordered that the police case be closed for lack of diligent prosecution, directed the defence to open their case.
Meanwhile, Ntui called Njoku, as his first defence witness to give evidence-in-chief.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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edited by Sadiya Hamza

Julius Toba-Jegede
Jul, Mon, 2023

Education

UK varsity donates books to UNILORIN

183 total views today

By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

The Management of the University of Ilorin has received delivery of books worth millions of Naira donated to its library by the University of Bath, United Kingdom.

According to the University of Ilorin Bulletin issued on Monday, the donation was facilitated by a former student and a friend of the University, Dr Teslim Bukoye.

It explained that Bukoye, is now an elected member of Academic Assembly on Senate to the Council of the University of Bath.

UNILORIN Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Egbewole (SAN), commended the facilitator and the University of Bath for the magnanimous donation.

The VC, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Sulaiman Ambali, expressed hope that the books donated would prove invaluable to the students, academic staff and other users of the university library.

He also advised other individuals and organisations to follow the example set by the University of Bath.

Egbewole said UNILORIN had the intention to strengthen its relationship with the University of Bath, which could potentially involve staff development programmes.

He encouraged the university librarian and the entire library staff to inform relevant faculties and departments of the new collections in order to enhance the quality of learning and research at the institution.

He said that the donation marked a significant milestone in the advancement of the University of Ilorin in its academic and research capabilities.

“The books will undoubtedly contribute to the development and enrichment of students and Faculties alike, and foster a vibrant intellectual environment on campus,” he said.

Earlier in his remarks, Dr Kamaldeen Omopupa, the University Librarian, expressed enthusiasm about the potential benefits the donated books would bring to specific faculties within the university.

Omopupa commended the richness and relevance of the books, emphasising their alignment with the university’s curriculum.

He said the intellectual resources would play a crucial role in the upcoming accreditation exercises, and contribute to the institution’s pursuit of excellence in education and research.

He thanked the University of Bath for the generous donation and acknowledged the efforts of Dr Bukoye in facilitating the collaboration between the two universities. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Julius Toba-Jegede

Julius Toba-Jegede
Jul, Mon, 2023

Community

Wuse Central Rotary Club offers medical support to Dakwo community

192 total views today

Some of the beneficiaries during the outreach on Monday. Photo: NAN

By Naomi Sharang

Members of the Rotary Club of Wuse Central in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Monday offered series of free medical services to residents of Dakwo community in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the medical outreach which took place at the Primary Health Centre, Dakwo, witnessed scores of pregnant women, nursing mothers and youths coming out to partake in the exercise.

NAN also reports that the residents were given mosquito treated nets, while each pregnant woman among them received a set of baby delivery kit.

President of the club, Kelong Alkali, said no fewer than 80 residents benefitted from the gesture which he described as synonymous to Rotary Club worldwide.

Alkali added that the gesture was part of the commemoration of Rotary Club’s maternal and child health month scheduled for July.

“This event is a key focus area in Rotary Club. As you may be aware, Rotary Club is an international organisation that carries out humanitarian services, projects friendship and conflict resolution too.

“Every month, we pick one critical area and work on. And in this month of July we are working on maternal and child birth. So today, we from the Rotary Club of Wuse Central are here to provide free medical services to the people of Dakwo community.

Alkali, President of the club attending to beneficiaries during the outreach Photo: (NAN)

“Some of the items we are giving them freely are: mosquito nets, free routine drugs which include Folic Acid, iron tablets, Vitamin C and other vitamins for pregnant women and nursing mothers so that they can have safe delivery, because maternal death is a big issue in some of our rural communities,” he said.

Also, Oluwasola Ajadi, Director, Projects/ Community Services of the club, said the outreach was aimed at paying attention to the endless needs of the downtrodden especially in their healthcare requirements.

She said that the large turn-out of beneficiaries at the event gave her the fulfilment that she had touched lives.

Ajadi also attributed the high number of the beneficiaries to why additional provisions were later made in a bid to reach more residents.

“After seeing what has happened here today, especially the large turn-out; I really feel that I have been able to touch lives in conjunction with my colleagues.

“Rotary Club is about touching lives and I’m proud to be part of this noble cause.

” I’m so pleased to see how happy the beneficiaries are; especially the women among them. I can assure you that Rotary will want to do more.

“The interesting thing was that we had to increase our provisions after witnessing an increased number.

” In fact, this is a plus for everyone who made this happen, ranging from the community leaders, the health officials and Rotary Club itself,” she said.

Dr Dorothy Ihegazie, Programme Officer in Charge of Health Promotion in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), expressed appreciation to Rotary Club for the gesture, she added that it was not their first time of supporting the community.

Ihegazie who is also the Overseer of AMAC Primary Health Centres (PHCs), revealed that ante-natal mothers topped the list of beneficiaries of the outreach programme.

She, however, called on other well-to-do members of the public and organisations to emulate what Rotary Club is doing in terms of giving back to the society.

In separate interviews with NAN, two of the beneficiaries who are pregnant women expressed appreciation to the club.

They said its gesture would go a long way in reducing the economic impacts of their gestation period in view of the current economic situation in the country.

Florence Stephen, a 21-year old newly married woman said the items given to her would help her safe delivery in few weeks from now.

Also, Jemmy Joseph, 32, a housewife said it was her first time of being assisted by any organisation during pregnancy.

She therefore expressed hope that the health tips received at the event would help her during pregnancy and after childbirth, while the items and drugs would provide a succour for her household.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Experts advocate retraining of anaesthetists for safer paediatric surgery

Afonne Emmanuel
Jul, Mon, 2023

Health

Experts advocate retraining of anaesthetists for safer paediatric surgery

232 total views today

By Patricia Amogu

Experts at a three-day training in Abuja have identified retraining of paediatric anaesthetists as one of the best ways to provide safer and improved anaesthesia to children during surgery.

They said that retraining of paediatric anaesthetists could help reduce morbidity and mortality during paediatric surgery.

The experts said this while speaking during a course training organised for paediatric anaesthesiologists by the Paediatric Anaesthesia Society of Nigeria (PASoN) in partnership with Smile Train, a cleft charity organisation.

The theme ìs entitled: ”Safer Anaesthesia from Education – Paediatrics ” (SAFE-Paediatrics)

Dr Maryrose Osazuwa, a Consultant Paediatric Anaesthetist, National Hospital Abuja, said the issue of safety in the administration of anaesthesia especially on children could not be over- emphasised.

Osazuwa, who is also the Vice-President of PASoN, therefore, called for increased advocacy and education, as well as the training of more professionals.

“We have a limited number of paediatric anaesthetists in Nigeria.

“However, there is a need to educate other anaesthetists who also care for children to bridge the gap caused by brain drain.

“There is a need to increase the number of skilled healthcare professionals.

“Asides the PATA fellowship, which trains two doctors annually, more advocacy is needed and more training programmes for PASoN members and all health workers involved in child care will go a long way in tackling the challenge,” she said.

Also speaking, SAFE Course Director, Dr Alhassan Mohammed, who is also a Consultant Anaesthetist at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, said the training was aimed at teaching participants how to effectively manage anaesthesia in children undergoing surgery, while ensuring their safety throughout the process.

Dr Salawu Morayo, another Consultant Anaesthetist at the National Hospital Abuja, said only continuous training could guarantee safe anaesthesia.

“The administration of anaesthesia in children is particularly challenging due to their unique and delicate nature.

“Therefore, anaesthetists who handle children need to undergo continuous training and retraining to develop systematic and methodical practices that would ensure safer and better anaesthesia and reduce morbidity.

“Government should employ more anaesthetists, provide more training opportunities, and empower the professionals for effective service delivery,” Morayo, who is a facilitator of the training, said.

Speaking earlier, Victoria Awuzie, Senior Programme Manager, Smile Train, had revealed that sponsoring the training was in line with the vision of the charity organisation, which is dedicated to quality healthcare capacity building and advocacy to increase access to safer surgeries in low- and middle-income countries.

Awuzie disclosed that the training was for 80 participants who are expected to disseminate the knowledge acquired to their respective states and regions including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano.

“Smile Train has partnered with and supported hospitals across Nigeria to enhance their capacity to care for children and ensure their safety during surgeries.

“This is a significant investment, and we will continue to train doctors and nurses until we achieve our goals,” she said.

Dr Abubakar Ballah, a participant from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, expressed appreciation to the organisers for the knowledge gained

“I will take the knowledge gained from this training to my colleagues.

“The importance of proper procedures and safety rules that cannot be overstressed.

“I will advocate policy changes, such as involving anesthetists in trauma management, where previously they were not involved,” he said.

He thanked the organisers and sponsors of the course for the opportunity given him and other participants at the training.

The theme of the training was, “Safer Anaesthesia From Education – Paediatrics (SAFE-Paediatrics)”. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chidinma Agu/Emmanuel Yashim

World Cup Qualifiers: Nigeria U19 Cricket team now stronger, official says

Afonne Emmanuel
Jul, Mon, 2023

Sports

World Cup Qualifiers: Nigeria U19 Cricket team now stronger, official says

229 total views today

By Ijeoma Okigbo

Taiwo Oriss, Secretary General of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), said the federation has assembled a stronger team more than before, ahead of the U19 World Cup Africa Division One Qualifiers.

Oriss spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the backdrop of the level of preparations the team ahead of the event beginning on Sunday in Tanzania.

He said the NCF has prepared the team to compete well enough for the event.

“We have put together one of the best teams for the tournament, in fact, a stronger team than ever before.

“We know what is at stake. We know it is just one slot available and we have prepared the team adequately for the task ahead,’’ he said.

The Secretary recalled the team’s qualification in 2019, a feat that took the country to her first ever World Cup appearance in 2020 but regretted their failure to qualify again in 2021.

He said the board reviewed the lapses suffered in 2021 and have worked to correct them.

“We have better chances of qualifying this time.We have been able to look at what the chances are and have been able to identify the lapses suffered earlier.

“After the team’s qualification from Division Two in September in 2022, they have been in camp in both Benin and Lagos.

“In June, the federation sent the team for two-week training in India, the Omtex CWC training institute, which has one of the best facilities in India.

“At the moment, the team is in Kigali, Rwanda for a training tour where they face some selected Rwanda teams in preparation for the tournament in Tanzania,’’ Oriss said.

He said that the team has got lots of support from the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, as well as motivation from the president of the federation.

“They have the support of the Ministry as well as the biggest motivation from Uyi Akpata, the NCF president, who is doing everything to ensure the team’s qualification.

“I really don’t see anybody that can stand in the way of Nigeria this time. We have done our analysis and have looked at the teams we are facing.

“I think it is our time,’’ Oriss noted.

NAN reports that Nigeria will face hosts Tanzania, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Namibia and Uganda for the sole ticket to the 2024 World Cup in Sri Lanka.

The Qualifiers is scheduled for July 23 to 31. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

IHA/JPE

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(Edited by Joseph Edeh)

Troops intercept truck load of ammunition enroute Anambra – Army

isaac aregbesola
Jul, Mon, 2023

Defence/Security

Troops intercept truck load of ammunition enroute Anambra – Army

211 total views today

*Truck loaded with smuggled ammunition intercepted by troops*

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Troops of 192 Battalion operating in 81 Division Nigerian Army have busted an international ammunition smuggling syndicate, while transporting a truck load of smuggled ammunition to Anambra State.

The Director, Army public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement on Monday, said the truck was intercepted along Ajilete-Owode Road in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun on Saturday.

Nwachukwu said the troops, acting on actionable Intelligence conducted a meticulous and rigorous stop and search operation and uncovered the illegal ammunition in a truck with Registration number ENU 697 XY.

He said the truck was loaded with 720 packets of Red Star Cartridges of 12 Calibre, containing 25 cartridges per packet, totaling 18,000 cartridges and an additional 250 packets of live (black) cartridges containing 10 packets each, totaling 2500 cartridges of same calibre.

According to him, the suspects, identified as Mr Eric Seworvor, a Ghanaian national, and the driver, Mr Lukman Sani, have been taken into custody and are helping with ongoing investigations.

“Information gathered during preliminary investigation revealed that the ammunition, which were surreptitiously concealed in a supposed empty truck were imported from Mali, via Idiroko International Border, where the criminals had successfully beaten several other checkpoints.

“They were en-route their final destination in Onitsha, Anambra, where they intended to deliver the illegal ammunition.

“Timely intervention by the vigilant troops however thwarted the chaos that such volume of ammunition would have unleashed on innocent members of the public, if the criminals had succeeded.

“The Nigerian army therefore appeals to all law abiding citizens to continue to support the troops and other security agencies with credible and actionable information, as they combat security challenges across the country.

The Chief of Army Staff, Maj,-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, commended the troops for their commitment and urged them not to relent as they strive in synergy with other services and security agencies to provide safe and secure atmosphere for all Nigerians and socio economic development across the country.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

edited by Sadiya Hamza