Seven people caught diverting explosives to militants in Nigeria

National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Mohammed Monguno, (retd)

Five security operatives, a storekeeper and an accomplice have been arrested for alleged diversion of 9,000 kilogrammes of high calibre explosives and over 16,420 pieces of detonators in the Niger Delta. The National Security Adviser, Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Monguno (retd.), said that investigation conducted into the incessant attacks on oil facilities in the oil-rich region revealed that commercial explosives and accessories were being used for the dastardly acts. Monguno made the comment during a meeting with manufacturers of fertilisers in Nigeria in Abuja, on Thursday.
The NSA said that the Federal Government might withdraw the licences of two manufacturers of fertilisers in the country, Notore Petrochemical and Indorama Eleme Petrochemical, for alleged sabotage of the nation’s economy by exporting products meant for local consumption. He said, “A detailed audit of the records of explosives magazines and quarries in that region was conducted, which revealed the diversion of about 9,000kg of high explosives and 16,420 pieces of detonators for illegal use.
“The actors, including the store man of a major explosives distribution company in Nigeria, an accomplice and five security operatives, have been arrested and handed over to the appropriate authorities.
“Right now, investigations are being conducted and I can assure you that they are deeply culpable and necessary action will be taken on the conclusion of these investigations.
“Let me also reiterate that any individual or company that operates outside the confines of legitimacy or legality will have itself to blame, and we want to add that the government of the day will not listen to any influence peddler in the society on behalf of any company that decides to sabotage national security.”
Monguno said that the Federal Government would take decisive action against any company whose actions were found to threaten the economy and security of the country.
All manufacturers, importers, sellers and end users of explosives in the country have been warned to desist from unprofessional sale, procurement, storage and use of the materials in line with the provisions of the Explosives Act of 1964, the Explosives Regulations of 1967 and other extant policy directives.

Source: Punch