By Favour Bibaikefie

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its determination to rid the country of illicit weapons and strengthen national security with the destruction of 2,819 illicitly acquired, decommissioned and unserviceable small arms and light weapons in Abuja.

The exercise, carried out by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons at the General Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, Giri, marked another milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal firearms. With the latest destruction, the Centre has now eliminated about 19,000 illicit and obsolete weapons since its establishment.

Speaking during the event on Thursday, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, represented by the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, said the Federal Government remained unwavering in its constitutional responsibility to safeguard lives and property across the country.

According to a press release issued on July 30, 2026, by the Special Assistant on Media to the PAP Administrator, Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Ribadu stressed that reducing the circulation of illegal firearms is central to the nation’s broader security strategy.

He warned that illicit weapons often fuel terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence, noting that each firearm removed from circulation contributes significantly to national peace and stability.

According to him, “every weapon recovered and destroyed by the security agencies represents a threat permanently neutralized”.

The NSA explained that, with the full backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his office has pursued a comprehensive security strategy anchored on intelligence-driven operations, enhanced collaboration among security agencies, disruption of criminal and terrorist financing networks, and stronger engagement with international partners.

“This approach has yielded results across the country, from degrading terrorist networks to strengthening our border security architecture, and it continues to evolve to meet new and emerging threats.

“The control and destruction of illicit small arms and light weapons is an essential, and sometimes underappreciated, pillar of this strategy. It complements our kinetic operations by steadily shrinking the pool of weapons available to those who would sow terror or violence in our communities”, he said.

Ribadu described the public destruction of the recovered weapons as evidence of the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in tackling insecurity.

He also praised the Director-General of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police Johnson Kokumo, and personnel of the Centre for their dedication. He equally acknowledged the contributions of the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies whose recovery efforts made the exercise possible.

The NSA further appealed to Nigerians to actively support security efforts, stressing that the responsibility of maintaining peace should not rest solely on government institutions. He called on traditional rulers, religious leaders and citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies.

He added: “Let me reassure all Nigerians that our security agencies, under the coordination of this office, remain resolute and united in the constitutional duty to protect lives and property across every part of this county.

“Exercises such as this, conducted openly and transparently, are proof of consistent follow-through, not mere ceremony. Government understands that public confidence is earned through sustained, visible action, and we remain committed to earning it, one milestone at a time.”

By Rukevwe Odeh

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Waidi Shaibu, has assured Nigerians that military personnel are making steady progress in efforts to rescue the pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oyo State.

Speaking during a media interaction in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, Shaibu said troops remain actively engaged in operations aimed at securing the safe release of the 39 pupils and seven teachers kidnapped from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area.

According to him, the ongoing operation has recorded encouraging progress, expressing optimism that the victims will soon be reunited with their families.

The Army Chief also highlighted the military’s achievements across different parts of the country. He noted that troops under Operation Hadin Kai have continued to weaken insurgent groups in the North-East, including the recent elimination of a senior Islamic State commander, Abu Bilal al-Minuki, during a joint operation with the United States.

Shaibu said improved security in the region has enabled many displaced residents to return to their communities, citing the closure of the Internally Displaced Persons camp in Bama, Borno State, as evidence of the progress made.

He added that military operations have also strengthened security in Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Kwara, Niger and parts of Kogi State, while efforts against crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism have improved stability in the South-South.

To further boost the Army’s operational strength, Shaibu disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new Nigerian Army depot in Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, increasing the number of Army depots nationwide to three.

He also revealed that the Army has acquired additional armoured personnel carriers, mine-resistant vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles to improve operational effectiveness, alongside specialised training for personnel to tackle evolving security threats.

Separately, Biodun Oyebanji visited victims of the recent Eda Oniyo kidnapping incident receiving treatment at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital in Ado-Ekiti. The governor condemned the attack and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

Oyebanji also urged residents not to politicise security matters, stressing that tackling kidnapping and other criminal activities requires collective support and responsible public engagement.

Source: The Guardian Nigeria

By Rukevwe Odeh

Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited further strengthened its presence at NOG Energy Week 2026 as its Managing Director, High Chief Engr. Kestin Pondi, FSNE, FNIIS, and General Manager, Operations, High Chief Godfrey Pondi, actively participated in the industry’s flagship energy exhibition.

The attendance of the Company’s top executives generated increased interest at the exhibition, creating opportunities for high-level discussions, strategic networking, and partnerships focused on expanding the adoption of Tantita’s indigenous security technologies. The engagements highlighted the Company’s growing role in transforming maritime surveillance, safeguarding critical infrastructure, and delivering intelligent security solutions.

Several prominent personalities, including the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, as well as senior government officials, industry leaders, and other stakeholders, visited the Tantita exhibition stand. During the interactions, the Managing Director, General Manager, Operations, Executive Director, Operations and Technical, and the Administration Manager showcased the Company’s advanced surveillance systems, integrated command-and-control platform, and locally developed technological innovations. The team also explored collaboration opportunities aimed at extending the reach of Tantita’s technology-driven security services beyond Nigeria.

The participation of Tantita’s leadership at NOG Energy Week 2026 reaffirmed the Company’s commitment to promoting indigenous innovation and demonstrated Nigeria’s capacity to provide globally competitive security solutions. It also reinforced Tantita’s position as a dependable partner in enhancing maritime security, protecting vital national assets, and contributing to the sustainability of the global energy industry.

Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited reinforced its leadership in Nigeria’s security and energy support sector through active participation at the 2026 NOG Energy Week, where its top management engaged key stakeholders and industry players in discussions on innovation and collaboration.

Chief Engr. K prestigious energy exhibition, using the event to promote the Company’s expanding portfolio of indigenous security technologies.

Their presence attracted considerable attention from participants, creating a platform for strategic engagements with government representatives, energy industry executives, investors, and development partners. Discussions focused on advancing the deployment of Tantita’s homegrown surveillance solutions, enhancing maritime security, and protecting critical national infrastructure through modern technology.

Among the notable visitors to the Company’s exhibition stand were the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, senior government officials, and other prominent stakeholders in the oil and gas industry. During the visit, the Managing Director, General Manager, Operations, Executive Director, Operations and Technical, and the Administration Manager presented Tantita’s integrated command-and-control systems, sophisticated surveillance technologies, and locally engineered security innovations.

The interactions also explored opportunities for partnerships that would expand the Company’s technology-driven security services beyond Nigeria’s borders, positioning indigenous solutions for wider international adoption.

Tantita’s participation at NOG Energy Week 2026 underscored its dedication to promoting Nigerian innovation while demonstrating the country’s ability to develop world-class security technologies. The Company’s continued engagement with industry leaders further highlights its commitment to strengthening maritime surveillance, safeguarding strategic assets, and supporting the long-term sustainability of the global energy sector.

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