The military has expressed determination in exploring ways to harness skills of law-abiding citizens engaged in local production of firearms and military grade equipment even as it is committed to put an end to production and circulation of illegal arms in the country.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, expressed this concern during an operational visit to the frontline troops under Operation Safe Haven in Plateau State while reviewing a cache of locally made arms and ammunition seized within the areas of operation.
In what is the continuation of the CDS operational visits to defence headquarters, the first point of call was at the headquarters of 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment where he was received by the General Officer Commanding as well as the inspection of the quarter guard.
The CDS entourage thereafter proceeded to Sector 8 of Operation Safe Haven in Mangu for inspection of military hardware and operational equipment in the forward operation base.
He reiterated that additional resources, including advanced weaponry, vehicles, and welfare improvements were on the way to further enhance their operational capabilities.
In his address, the Chief of Defence Staff charged troops to take the fight to criminal hideouts and flush them out completely as a renewed and greater vigor in the fight against insurgency in the year 2025.
As part of the inspection, General Musa reviewed a cache of locally made arms and ammunition that were seized from the areas of operation by troops and expressed concerns on engaging the skills of manufacturers of such arms at the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria.
The Chief of Defence Staff also emphasized the importance of professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights in the conduct of military operations while he acknowledged efforts of troops in maintaining peace and security in the areas of operations despite numerous challenges.
