By Aliyu Musa

The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has disclosed that it is prepared to commence local production of weapons, ammunition and other military hardware.

The Director General of DICON, Major General Babatunde Alaya, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja during a press conference to unveil the Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026.

Organised by dmg events in partnership with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), AFRIDEX complements the recent African Chief of Defence Staff Summit (ACDSS), which underscored the federal government’s efforts at tackling insecurity both internally and regionally.

General Alaya noted that ongoing partnerships and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs)with companies will not only boost local production of equipment, but also cut foreign exchange substantially.

“We have some companies, partner companies, that are coming on board to produce ammunition, weapons, and other equipment.

“For instance, we are already assembling. Additionally, we have some additional companies who are already producing Mine Resistance Armoured Protected (MR-AP) vehicles, and Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs).

“And we have signed a memorandum of understanding with other partners who are already producing the machinery and equipment.

“Very soon, Nigeria (and its partners) will start producing …and its partners will start producing gunpowder in Nigeria.

“And from our understanding, one of the major components of producing ammunition is gunpowder.

“Before we import from all over the world, we have signed a memorandum of understanding with all of our international partners, and in about eight months’ time, we will start producing gunpowder in Nigeria” he stated.

The general informed that DICON has also signed a memorandum of understanding with another indigenous company, to start producing marine-shaped charges for marine exploration.

“So we have a lot of partners. There are just so many things. Some of our partners are already producing personal protective equipment for our troops.

“We don’t need to import any of those again because we have sufficient collaborators in Nigeria ecosystem to produce that.

“We also have other partners that are producing uniform and boots. So, the scope of partnership to produce locally is vast.

Speaking on the exhibition, the Minister of State (Defence), Bello Matawalle, said the Federal government will showcase its newly-acquired capabilities to contain insecurity.

The former Zamfara State Governor commended President Bola Tinubu for investing heavily in advancing the nation’s defence capacity and capability.

By Son Tertsea

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, has called on journalists to be resilient in the face of many challenges.

Prof Yilwatda who was Guest Speaker on the theme; Strengthening the Media for Credible Reporting and Democratic Accountability at the public Lecture organized by the Benue State Council of NUJ as part of activities to mark the Media Week stressed that “The rise of misinformation, political toxicity, commercial constraints, security threats, and the disruptive technology” should not deter journalists from serving well. Instead, he called on them to be resilient.

The APC boss also advised that their criticisms should be rooted in facts, not propaganda, describing the quality of journalists that Nigeria needs at present to be those who; “Verify before publishing, Prioritize national unity above political rivalry, Hold power accountable without becoming political actors” and who ” Use the pen to heal society, not divide it” adding that, ” When the press loses objectivity, the nation loses direction”.

The APC boss while commending the leadership and members of NUJ in the state for inviting him to be part of the event, however cautioned them against fake news and misinformation, urging them to take the lead in the media space. “The pressure for speed sometimes replaces accuracy, Professional journalists must not surrender the information space. Instead, you must lead it”.

He called on the media to always work hand in hand with citizens and the government saying “This partnership between the media, government, and citizens must remain strong anchored on mutual respect, transparency, and patriotism”.

In his address, Governor Hyacinth Alia, represented by the Chief Host and Hon. Commissioner of information, Dr Peter Egbodo, commended NUJ in the state.

The Governor promised to renovate the state secretariat of NUJ and pay outstanding cut off dues of members from the state.

Dr Egbodo called on NUJ to forward the drawings for the lock-up shops to his office for further action.

Earlier, Bemdoo Ugber, the state council chairman welcomed guests and other invitees to the event stressing, it is “One of the most important events in our professional calendar. It is indeed an opportunity to reflect on our obligations, celebrate excellence, strengthen partnerships, and recommit ourselves to the noble ideals of journalism”.

Mr Ugber also called on the state government to come to the aid of NUJ in building the lock-up shops, renovate the state secretariat and to provide a serviceable car for the council’s chair in the state, among other demands.

The House of Representatives Thursday inaugurated an ad-hoc committee to investigate the rising insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) despite the installation of a $460 million CCTV system funded through a Chinese loan.

While inaugurating the committee, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas described the growing wave of kidnappings, armed robbery and killings in the FCT as “unacceptable and intolerable,”

He lamented that Abuja, once seen as one of West Africa’s most peaceful capitals is now grappling with frequent violent crimes.

Abbas questioned why the multimillion dollar CCTV project, designed to enhance surveillance and security operations has failed to curb the worsening security situation, saying Nigerians deserve answers on whether the massive investment was properly deployed, abandoned or crippled by mismanagement.

He said the committee’s mandate includes a forensic investigation into the project’s status, operational capacity, level of integration with security agencies and reasons for its failure to deliver results.

Abbas, represented by a lawmaker, Julius Pondi said the committee is also expected to identify any acts of negligence or sabotage and recommend steps for activating or overhauling the system.

The speaker urged the Ministers of FCT, Finance, and Interior, alongside the Inspector General of Police, council chairmen and heads of security agencies, to offer full cooperation, appealing to traditional rulers to strengthen intelligence sharing with security operatives.

Abbas said the House “will not stand idly by” while Abuja residents live in fear, stressing that every legislative tool will be deployed to ensure accountability and improved security.

Earlier, Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Ojogo Donald said the worsening security challenges in Abuja had turned the city into a “theatre of fear.” adding the committee’s task was a national responsibility owed to grieving families and anxious residents.

Ojogo described the failed CCTV project as a “scandal of monumental proportions,” noting that despite the huge investment, the system has not provided the expected security shield for the FCT.

He outlined the committee’s work, including auditing the $460 million expenditure, evaluating the project’s technical integrity, establishing its functionality and uncovering the causes of the persistent security breaches.

“We are not on a witch hunt but a truth hunt,” he said, adding that the committee would pursue its assignment with diligence, integrity, and a commitment to restoring public confidence.

“What elevates this crisis from tragedy to scandal of monumental proportions is the stark paradox at its core: this relentless wave of terror crashes upon us despite a massive investment—a Chinese loan of four hundred and sixty million United States dollars ($460,000,000)secured for the singular purpose of creating an impregnable security shield for the FCT.

“This was no ordinary initiative. It was a flagship project, a critical layer in our national security architecture, promised to be the ever-watchful eye over our capital—a digital sentinel designed to deter crime, empower our security forces, and ensure that perpetrators face the justice they deserve.

“Conduct a forensic audit of the $460 million CCTV project, tracing every dollar, scrutinizing every contract, and evaluating its technical integrity from conception to current status.

“Determine the precise operational status of the project—its functionality, coverage, and efficacy—and expose the specific reasons for any failure.

” Investigate the direct correlation between this project’s failure and the escalating security breaches within the FCT.

” Identify all individuals, agencies, and contractors responsible for any failures and establish a clear chain of accountability.

“Provide actionable recommendations to salvage this vital project, secure value for the Nigerian people, and propose concrete measures to restore security and public confidence” he said