Defence Headquarters Addresses Arms Proliferation and Recent Military Operations

By DAYO ADESULU

Insights on Non-State Actors and Illicit Arms Acquisition

The Defence Headquarters has provided insight into how non-state actors have been acquiring arms in Nigeria, primarily attributing the influx of illegal weapons to the ongoing conflicts in Libya and the Sahel region. During a press briefing, Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, responded to allegations made by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu regarding the involvement of security forces in the arms trade.

Key Points on Arms Proliferation

1. Libyan Conflict and Sahel Instability: Major General Buba emphasized that the chaos stemming from the Libyan conflict and instability in the Sahel has facilitated the flow of arms into Nigeria, worsening the country’s challenges with insurgency and terrorism. He stated, “When we talk about the proliferation of arms, first, you have to look at what happened in Libya years ago and in the Sahel.”
2. Attacks on Security Forces: Buba noted that terrorists have also been acquiring arms by attacking security agencies and seizing their equipment. “Part of the ways insurgents and terrorists get arms is to attack security forces and take arms from them,” he explained, acknowledging that such incidents are documented in military textbooks worldwide.
3. Military Response: In response to these challenges, Buba assured that the military has implemented decisive counter-measures and has consistently made terrorists pay a higher price in such confrontations.

Recent Military Operations

In the past week, the Nigerian Armed Forces reported significant successes in their operations against terrorism and crime:

• 140 terrorists neutralized and 135 suspects arrested, including:
• Pius Iguh, a founding member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), arrested in Orsu, Imo State.
• Emmanuel Onwugu, an IPOB commander, apprehended in Abia State.
• Ifeanyi Rock, a notorious cult leader, captured along with ten of his combatants in Arochukwu, Abia State.
• 76 kidnapped hostages rescued during the operations.

Efforts Against Oil Theft

The military also cracked down on oil theft, arresting 18 suspects and recovering stolen crude oil valued at approximately N1.7 billion. The operations in the Niger Delta region led to the discovery and destruction of numerous illegal oil refining sites and equipment, including:

• 33 crude oil cooking ovens
• 19 dugout pits
• 41 boats
• 70 drums
• 22 storage tanks
• 47 illegal refining sites

Weapons and Ammunition Recovery

In total, troops recovered 241 weapons and 3,254 rounds of ammunition, including:

• 141 AK-47 rifles
• One PKT gun
• Two FN rifles
• Seventeen fabricated rifles
• Various other firearms and ammunition types.

The Defence Headquarters’ briefing highlights the multifaceted nature of arms proliferation in Nigeria, linking it to regional instability and internal security challenges. The military’s recent operations demonstrate a focused effort to combat terrorism, crime, and illegal oil activities while safeguarding national security.

Certainly! Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the key points surrounding the recent statements from the Defence Headquarters and the military operations in Nigeria:

1. Context of Arms Proliferation

• Libyan Conflict: The destabilization of Libya since 2011 has created a power vacuum that has enabled various non-state actors to acquire weapons. Many of these arms have found their way into neighboring countries, including Nigeria, exacerbating existing security challenges.
• Sahel Region Instability: The Sahel, which includes countries like Mali and Niger, has seen a rise in jihadist groups and banditry, further contributing to the influx of arms into Nigeria. The porous borders in this region facilitate the smuggling of weapons across countries.

2. Allegations of Security Forces Involvement

• National Security Adviser’s Claims: Nuhu Ribadu raised concerns about the involvement of military and police personnel in the illegal arms trade, suggesting that some of the weapons used by criminal groups in Nigeria may originally belong to government forces.
• Military Response: Major General Buba countered these allegations by attributing the arms problem primarily to external sources and traditional methods of arms acquisition, such as ambushes and direct attacks on security personnel.

3. Military Operations Highlights

• Neutralization of Terrorists: The Armed Forces reported that in one week alone, they neutralized 140 terrorist operatives, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat groups like Boko Haram and other insurgents.
• Arrests and Rescues: The capture of notable figures such as Pius Iguh and Emmanuel Onwugu indicates targeted operations against leadership within insurgent and separatist movements. The rescue of 76 hostages reflects the military’s commitment to protecting civilians and restoring safety.

4. Efforts Against Oil Theft

• Crackdown on Illegal Activities: Oil theft is a significant issue in Nigeria, impacting the economy and contributing to violence in the Niger Delta. The military’s operations to dismantle illegal refining sites signify a broader strategy to curb this criminal activity.
• Seizures: The recovery of a substantial amount of stolen crude oil and the destruction of illegal refining equipment underscores the military’s focus on economic sabotage as a target for their operations.

5. Weapons Recovery

• Significant Cache: The recovery of 241 weapons, including high-caliber rifles and ammunition, indicates the scale of the military’s efforts to disarm criminal groups. This also highlights the ongoing challenges the military faces in securing arms and preventing them from falling into the hands of insurgents.

6. Future Implications

• Continued Vigilance: The military’s acknowledgment of the sources of arms proliferation suggests a need for ongoing vigilance and collaboration with international partners to address the root causes of insecurity.
• Public Safety and Security: The operations conducted by the military aim to reassure the public and improve safety, but they also bring to light the complexities of addressing both internal and external threats to national security.

Overall, the situation in Nigeria regarding arms proliferation, terrorism, and crime is intricate and requires multifaceted solutions, including military action, community engagement, and international cooperation. The Defence Headquarters’ recent communications reflect an awareness of these complexities and a determination to tackle them head-on.