The Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) has raised an alarm of scavengers collecting items used for locally-manufactured improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Commodore Friday Okolie who represented the agency at a public hearing organised by the house of representatives committee on national security and intelligence, on the consideration of four security bills, disclosed that the items used to manufacture improvised explosive devices (IEDs) consist of various components such as initiator, switch, main charge, power surge and container.
The DIA rep said this may further be enclosed with additional enhancement such as nails, glasses or metal fragments designed to increase the amount of shrapnel propelled by the explosion.
Okolie said “The elements used locally to manufacture improvised explosive devices (IEDs) consist of various components such as initiator, switch, main charge, power surge and container. It may be further enclosed with additional enhancement such as nails, glasses or metal fragments designed to increase the amount of shrapnel propelled by the explosion.
“These items are most often collected by scavengers who move around from one location to another in residential and business premises, sourcing and collecting discarded items, such as scrap metals, plastic, beverage cans, metals, among others, from refuse dumps and bins.
“Their activities are mostly not scrutinised by any authority. The agency considers that the bill gives more power to law enforcement agencies to monitor the activities of scavengers’ movement and the use of scrap metals and other materials they may collect and sell to be used for the manufacturing of IEDs.”
The DIA representative also called for the regulation of activities of blacksmiths who according to him can produce assorted and sophisticated weapons, including rifles, revolvers and IEDs.
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