By Newsmata
The military high command has said it might harness the skills of law-abiding citizens in the local production of firearms and military grade equipment, according to The Nation newspaper on Monday.
It expressed a resolute commitment to ending the production and circulation of illegal arms in the country.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, announced the military’s consideration during an operational visit to the frontline troops of Operation Safe Haven in Plateau State.
The CDS was reacting to the review of a cache of locally made arms and ammunition seized within the areas of operation.
In continuation of his operational visits to troops and military formations, the first port of call of the CDS was the headquarters of 3 Division of the Nigerian Army at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment in Jos, the Plateau State capital.
Gen. Musa was received by the General Officer Commanding, and he inspected the quarter guard at the cantonment.
The entourage of the CDS also visited Sector 8 of Operation Safe Haven in Mangu and inspected military hardware and operational equipment in the forward operation base.
He said additional resources, including advanced weaponry, vehicles, and welfare improvements were on the way to further enhance the operational capabilities of the troops.
Gen. Musa urged the troops to take the fight to criminals’ hideouts and flush them out completely as a renewed and greater vigour in the fight against insurgency in the New Year.
The CDS reviewed a cache of locally made arms and ammunition that troops seized from the areas of operation.
He said the military might consider engaging the skills of local manufacturers of such arms at the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).
Gen. Musa stressed the need for professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights in the conduct of military operations.
The CDS hailed the troops for maintaining peace and security in their areas of operations, despite numerous challenges.