The National Security Adviser, NSA, Major General Babagana Mongonu (rtd) has revealed how militants and other terrorist group develop explosives and detonators used in causing havoc across the country.
Speaking at a meeting with local manufacturers of fertilizers in Abuja on Thursday, Mongonu disclosed that Avengers and other terrorist group were discovered to have developed explosives from fertilizer.
According to Mongonu, explosives experts sent to carry out investigations into the persistent bombing on oil facilities in the Niger Delta region uncovered the diversion of about 9, 000kg of high explosives and 16, 420 pieces of detonators for illegal use in the area.
He said, “Nigerians should recall the discovery that improvised explosive devices (IED) being employed by terrorists for their bombing campaigns were developed mainly from certain grades of fertilizers with particular reference to some nitrate based types including Urea Nitrate (synthesized from Urea).
“Accordingly, it was discovered that the indiscriminate importation of these items by all and sundry resulted into lack of control and it eased their availability to mischievous elements for use to perpetrate insecurity. This indiscriminate importation further reduced the prospects for the local manufacture of these materials and by extension, the loss of foreign exchange to avoidable imports. This ultimately culminated into the ban on importation of fertilizers to the country”.
Warning that those behind explosives and detonators used by militants will be apprehended and dealt with, the NSA said, “The major actors, including the store man of a major explosives distribution company in Nigeria, an accomplice and five (5) security operatives have been arrested and handed over to appropriate authorities.
“Right now, investigations are being conducted and I can assure you that they are deeply culpable and necessary actions will be taken on conclusion of investigation.
“Let me also reiterate that any individual or company that operates outside the confines of legitimacy or illegality will have itself to blame. We also want to add that the government of the day will not want to listen to any influence peddler in the society on behalf of any company that decides to sabotage National Security”.
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