51 Rocket Launchers Uncovered in Gombe

06 Apr 2012

By Michael Olugbode

Security operatives Thursday seized 51 rocket launchers in a house in Barunde area of Gombe metropolis which was being used to manufacture rockets and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the raid, carried out by State Security Service (SSS) personnel and the army, came a few hours after four persons were arrested with 60 explosive devices in another part of the city.

The Director of SSS in Gombe State, Mr. Bitrus Asha, who conducted journalists round the “factory”, said one man had been arrested in the house.

Asha disclosed that 51 rocket launchers, 48 bags of fertiliser, sulphuric acid and cortex items were recovered.

Other items recovered are detonators, remote control devices, different types of chemicals, six containers for preparation of IEDs and other items.

He advised people to report suspicious characters to security agents, adding that the SSS and other security agencies would reinforce the operation, which would be sustained.

Meanwhile, Borno State government and the Joint Task Force (JTF) Thursday blamed the residents of the state for the continued siege of Boko Haram on the state.

They said the non-provision of vital information that would lead to the arrest of the sect members was the reason why there was no end in sight to the insecurity of the state and by extension the entire nation.

The Deputy Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Zanna Mustapha, who was at the Monday Market, Maiduguri, where 11 persons were confirmed killed by the sect, said the only way to end the onslaught of the fundamentalists was by providing the right information that would lead to their arrest.

The deputy governor, who was at the market to commiserate with the traders, promised that the state government in collaboration with the security agencies would provide adequate security in and around the market.
He assured the families of those who lost their beloved ones that government would assist them in whatever capacity, and called on the general public to cooperate with the security agencies in providing information that would assist in arresting those who are terrorising innocent people in the state.

Mustapha added that without the people giving adequate information to the security agencies, government alone could not stop the rampant killings by the faceless group who are hiding under religion to cause mayhem.

He also directed the General Manager of the market, Alhaji Ajiya Terab, to sensitise all traders on the importance of giving information on suspected criminals in the market to the security agencies, particularly the JTF, promising that such information would be treated with confidentiality.

Also yesterday, the JTF came out to state that the battle to smoke out the fundamentalists was needlessly prolonged due to the uncooperative attitude of residents of Maiduguri.

The spokesman of the task force, Lt. Col. Sagir Musa, in a press release, said: "The JTF in Borno State has observed with concern the poor attitude of the public in Maiduguri metropolis to the issue of information sharing with security agencies.
"It is worrisome that Boko Haram terrorists are living in the same community with the people without requisite information that will assist the JTF in arresting them."

He warned that the task force would deal ruthlessly with anyone trying to disrupt the peace of the state especially during the Easter period and beyond.
Musa assured everyone of confidentiality of information given.

He said: "They need not fear for any information passed to the JTF will be treated with utmost confidentiality."

More facts have been provided on Wednesday’s attack on the Monday Market.

Terab said that 11 persons were killed, made up of nine Igbos and three Kanuri traders.

Musa had on Wednesday said that only one person was killed in the deadly attack, but his counterpart in the police was more lenient with the truth, insisting that seven persons were killed.

Terab, who conducted the deputy governor round the scene of the attack, stated that seven out of the 11 died at the spot, while the other four who were rushed to the hospital for treatment could not survive the gunshots.
Three of them also died before reaching the hospital, including Miss Amaka, who in the process of running to see her father who was shot dead, was also killed by the gunmen.

The GM told the deputy governor that gunmen numbering about 10 invaded the market with four of them carrying AK47s, while the others were in possession of pistols.

They started shooting at their targets without any confrontation from anyone despite the deployment of some security agents in the market.

On why the market was closed yesterday, he told the deputy governor that the management of the market had to close it for the moment in honour of the dead.



http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/51-rocket-launchers-uncovered-in-gombe/113122/

PointB: 51 Rocket Launchers Uncovered in Gombe

06 Apr 2012

By Michael Olugbode

Security operatives Thursday seized 51 rocket launchers in a house in Barunde area of Gombe metropolis which was being used to manufacture rockets and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the raid, carried out by State Security Service (SSS) personnel and the army, came a few hours after four persons were arrested with 60 explosive devices in another part of the city.

The Director of SSS in Gombe State, Mr. Bitrus Asha, who conducted journalists round the “factory”, said one man had been arrested in the house.

Asha disclosed that 51 rocket launchers, 48 bags of fertiliser, sulphuric acid and cortex items were recovered.

Other items recovered are detonators, remote control devices, different types of chemicals, six containers for preparation of IEDs and other items.

He advised people to report suspicious characters to security agents, adding that the SSS and other security agencies would reinforce the operation, which would be sustained.

Meanwhile, Borno State government and the Joint Task Force (JTF) Thursday blamed the residents of the state for the continued siege of Boko Haram on the state.

They said the non-provision of vital information that would lead to the arrest of the sect members was the reason why there was no end in sight to the insecurity of the state and by extension the entire nation.

The Deputy Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Zanna Mustapha, who was at the Monday Market, Maiduguri, where 11 persons were confirmed killed by the sect, said the only way to end the onslaught of the fundamentalists was by providing the right information that would lead to their arrest.

The deputy governor, who was at the market to commiserate with the traders, promised that the state government in collaboration with the security agencies would provide adequate security in and around the market.
He assured the families of those who lost their beloved ones that government would assist them in whatever capacity, and called on the general public to cooperate with the security agencies in providing information that would assist in arresting those who are terrorising innocent people in the state.

Mustapha added that without the people giving adequate information to the security agencies, government alone could not stop the rampant killings by the faceless group who are hiding under religion to cause mayhem.

He also directed the General Manager of the market, Alhaji Ajiya Terab, to sensitise all traders on the importance of giving information on suspected criminals in the market to the security agencies, particularly the JTF, promising that such information would be treated with confidentiality.

Also yesterday, the JTF came out to state that the battle to smoke out the fundamentalists was needlessly prolonged due to the uncooperative attitude of residents of Maiduguri.

The spokesman of the task force, Lt. Col. Sagir Musa, in a press release, said: "The JTF in Borno State has observed with concern the poor attitude of the public in Maiduguri metropolis to the issue of information sharing with security agencies.
"It is worrisome that Boko Haram terrorists are living in the same community with the people without requisite information that will assist the JTF in arresting them."

He warned that the task force would deal ruthlessly with anyone trying to disrupt the peace of the state especially during the Easter period and beyond.
Musa assured everyone of confidentiality of information given.

He said: "They need not fear for any information passed to the JTF will be treated with utmost confidentiality."

More facts have been provided on Wednesday’s attack on the Monday Market.

[size=20pt]Terab said that 11 persons were killed, made up of nine Igbos and three Kanuri traders.[/size]

Musa had on Wednesday said that only one person was killed in the deadly attack, but his counterpart in the police was more lenient with the truth, insisting that seven persons were killed.

Terab, who conducted the deputy governor round the scene of the attack, stated that seven out of the 11 died at the spot, while the other four who were rushed to the hospital for treatment could not survive the gunshots.
[size=20pt]Three of them also died before reaching the hospital, including Miss Amaka, who in the process of running to see her father who was shot dead, was also killed by the gunmen.
[/size]
The GM told the deputy governor that gunmen numbering about 10 invaded the market with four of them carrying AK47s, while the others were in possession of pistols.

They started shooting at their targets without any confrontation from anyone despite the deployment of some security agents in the market.

On why the market was closed yesterday, he told the deputy governor that the management of the market had to close it for the moment in honour of the dead.



http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/51-rocket-launchers-uncovered-in-gombe/113122/

How do I react to this news?
These guys no dey hear word at all.
RIP.

I wonder what my people are still doing in war zone? If they are not doing the shooting, or trading in arms, they should get out of those places! Now 9 more full blooded Igbo sons and daughter have paid the ultimate prize for core north lack of foresight!

May they rest in peace!

i wont blame bh this time around but i keep on wondering d kind of money an igbo man is pursuin that make him still remain in such a war zone with his family.
now they ve paid d ultimate prize, just wish others ll learn

PointB: I wonder what my people are still doing in war zone? If they are not doing the shooting, or trading in arms, they should get out of those places! Now 9 more full blooded Igbo sons and daughter have paid the ultimate prize for core north lack of foresight!

May they rest in peace!

It's this Kind of reasoning that creates the circumstance that killed those innocent souls.

And whats worse than people lossing their relatives if i may ask,or your opinion no one should talk because people like you will jump and pick on their comments?

wondering where these people are getting the money from to buy these weapons.. Imagine a rocket launcher cost almost $15000-25000 .. And soon our jtf and custom will claim to be working while Gej will continue to make empty promises

edoyad:

It's this Kind of reasoning that creates the circumstance that killed those innocent souls.

I had to read this post thrice. I believe your interests lie in the preservation of human lives over and above any consideration. Quite unfortunate perspective, Sir.

51 Rocket launchers?! Oluwa o!!!

And the killing continues. Highest victims - Always Igbos. Please leave the north. Biko nu ooo

good job SSS!

51 RPG's?! Are they amassing weaponry for a full-scale war?!!

Nice feat.

If truly nigrian leader including the presidency knew nothing of BH, how come a suphisticated weapon like a rocket is found in the core north. Where are our customs and immigration services paid with the tax payer money. And on every weapon made by a company there is always a registration numba of the company and a specific weapon, the sss and other security operatives should requset from the company who bought it from them and later how it enter our country

This is turning into tribal war. Why must it be always the igbos? Only God knows where this country is heading to.

Always seizing weapons without telling us who is behind them. Who is dat person that said Northerners are killed more? Mcheeew!

skullbaba: If truly nigrian leader including the presidency knew nothing of BH, how come a suphisticated weapon like a rocket is found in the core north. Where are our customs and immigration services paid with the tax payer money. And on every weapon made by a company there is always a registration numba of the company and a specific weapon, the sss and other security operatives should requset from the company who bought it from them and later how it enter our country. The nigerian-niger republic border is too porous that anything can come into the country through it but you have a good point there. If the security operatives realy want to work.

My heart weeps 4 dat poor young lady. May dia souls RIP.

PointB: I wonder what my people are still doing in war zone? If they are not doing the shooting, or trading in arms, they should get out of those places! Now 9 more full blooded Igbo sons and daughter have paid the ultimate prize for core north lack of foresight!

May they rest in peace!

Abi!

edoyad:

It's this Kind of reasoning that creates the circumstance that killed those innocent souls.

Care to explain why those doing the shooting (security operatives) or those selling small arms (for self defense) created Boko Haram (which they are obviously reacting to)?

Hmmmm this country we call home is fast becoming a theater of the absurd

They say,bad publicity will damage your career. I say, give me all the publicity there when the new life begins the old one end this is the new birth of security challenges in Nigeria abokis are not relevant any more

It was not stated if the rocket launchers were new or if they were Russian or American made so the idea of placing a price tag on them does not arise.

amosy007: wondering where these people are getting the money from to buy these weapons.. Imagine a rocket launcher cost almost $15000-25000 .. And soon our jtf and custom will claim to be working while Gej will continue to make empty promises

This is just like the movie, but it is a reality of the tragedy.[img]http://www.spgames.info/g.gif[/img]

Am sure GEJ gave them those rocket launchers. He's a slowpoke

This is a pathetic news. Why are Igbos still in the north? Is life not worth more than money?Igbos should leave the north in droves and let BH start killing themselves. Why should Igbos remain the sacrificial lamb for this wicked Nigeria. Governors in Igbo States should wake up and mobilize the return of their sons and daughters from the North. What are they waiting for? Their people in the north needs help and would need to be rehabilitated when they touch eastern land. Where are the Rochas and Chimes' of this world? Your people are dying...

BH is senseless and wicked. They should borrow leaf from the Malian Taureg rebels who just seceeded from Mali. They simply took control of their own area of influence and didnt bother to go south b/c it is not in their agenda. But for BH, we dont know what they want. Purely criminal behaviour but it is just because we have a weakling as a president otherwise, it would have been fire for fire. Enough of all these nonsense.

Igbos in this nairaland should mobilize and sensitize their people in the north to come back home or alternatively awaken these sleeping governors who cannot read the handwriting on the wall...

If d igbos in the north go home, then what happens 2 d notherners in Igboland?

The war is at our door step, just a matter of time. Th first shot had been fired..