Defence minister attributes arms shortage to global conflicts, advocates for local production and national database
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Nigeria's Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, stated that ongoing conflicts involving Israel, Iran, the United States, Russia, and Ukraine are making it difficult for Nigeria and other nations to acquire military equipment. He emphasized the necessity for Nigeria to enhance local defence production due to these global disruptions. Musa also highlighted the absence of a comprehensive national database as a hindrance to security agencies, particularly the police, in tracking criminals and preventing crimes. He urged the National Assembly to support the creation of such a database, describing it as crucial for effective policing and national security. The minister commended indigenous defence manufacturers and innovators, calling for increased government support. He also stressed the importance of timely intelligence from citizens for security agencies to combat crime effectively and warned against public indifference to criminal activities. Musa appealed to state governors to ensure federal allocations lead to grassroots development, linking poverty, unemployment, and illiteracy to insecurity. He further advocated for the proper regulation of the Civilian Joint Task Force and other community-based security outfits. Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, affirmed the National Assembly's support for security agencies through legislation, oversight, and funding. He noted that military operations alone cannot resolve Nigeria's security challenges and ment
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh stated that Morocco could have beaten Brazil 3-1 if they had players similar to Nigeria's Victor Osimhen or Ademola Lookman in their squad. Oliseh shared this comment on his X handle after Morocco's 1-1 draw with Brazil in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group Stage match. He described Morocco's performance as impressive, highlighting their tactical balance in both attack and defense. Oliseh noted that Brazil's result flattered them, attributing the respectable scoreline to their star players like Vinicius Jr and Raphinha. Morocco secured a point against the five-time world champions in the match where Vinicius won the Superior Player of the Match award.
The air component of Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai neutralized 27 terrorists in separate air interdiction missions in Borno. An operational report from the Nigerian Air Force indicated that strikes were conducted following Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions. On June 10, an air interdiction mission at Dawoshe, a known terrorist enclave in the Southern Tumbus area, resulted in the destruction of vehicles and the neutralization of 12 terrorists. On the same day, a precision strike on terrorist positions at Metele in the Northern Tumbus area of Guzamala Local Government Area, Borno, confirmed 15 terrorists were neutralized. These operations are part of ongoing efforts to degrade terrorist capabilities, disrupt logistics networks, and deny insurgents freedom of action across the North-East theatre. The Armed Forces of Nigeria are committed to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist strongholds.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA has arrested Abugu Oliver Ikechukwu, a 41-year-old Brazil-based businessman, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. He was apprehended upon his arrival from S茫o Paulo, Brazil, via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on June 11. A search of his luggage revealed 14 towels and shirts impregnated with 6.10 kilograms of liquid cocaine. According to Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, the items were dried and ironed to conceal the substance. Abugu reportedly told investigators he has lived in Brazil for over 14 years, where he operates an African restaurant, and was in Nigeria to visit his wife and purchase foodstuff for his business. In related developments, the NDLEA also arrested a 60-year-old woman, Chidimma Sunday, with 1.8kg of skunk in Abia State, and a 28-year-old man, Abubakar Usman, with various illicit drugs in Rivers State. The agency also reported significant seizures across several states, including 304 kilograms of skunk in Kwara, 1,121.5 kilograms of cannabis in Taraba, and 1,102 kilograms of Ghana Loud in Lagos. Mohamed Buba Marwa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, commended the officers for their efforts in reducing drug supply.