Firm supplying Nigerian Militants explosives shut

The Nigerian Government has discovered and shut a firm that has been supplying explosives to militants in the country.

 The firm known as Nigerian Development and Construction Company (NDCC) NDCC, and based in Koko, Delta State is known for importing and selling explosives, but has now been  sealed off, and its licence withdrawn.

National Security Adviser (NSA) Maj.-Gen. Muhammed Babagana Monguno said the (NDCC) diverted explosives including 9,000 kilogrammes of nitro-glycerine explosives and 16,420 pieces of detonators explosives that were being used by militants to bomb oil installations and facilities.

General Monguro who said an inventory of the records of explosive magazines and quarries in the region reveals the diversion of a large quantity of explosives and pieces of detonators stated that of six people –  a store officer and five security operatives – have been arrested and are being interrogated.

 “Right now investigations have been conducted and I can assure you they are deeply culpable and appropriate actions will be taken. Let me once again reiterate that  any individual or company that operates outside the confines of legitimacy and legality will find himself or itself to blame.  I also 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.”

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dr Kayode Fayemi, in a statement by his media aide, Yinka Oyebode, said: “This is in addition to the blacklisting of the company and withdrawal of its explosive licences.

“The development is sequel to investigations by the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), which revealed that the company was involved in illegal diversion of about 9,000 kg of Nitro-glycerine explosives and 16,420 pieces of electrical detonators from its magazines between 2015 and 2016.”

The minister warned of manufacturers, importers, sellers and end users of explosives in the country  to desist from unprofessional sale, procurement, storage and use of explosives in line with the provisions of the Explosives Act of 1964 , the Explosives Regulations of 1967 and other extant policy directives.