Concerns Raised Over Proliferation of Arms and Ammunition Along Ogun/Benin Borders

Major Bashiru Bala, the commanding officer of the 192 Battalion of the Nigerian Army stationed in Owode Yewa, Ogun State, has voiced apprehensions regarding the escalating influx of arms and ammunition across the border shared with the neighboring African nation of Benin Republic.

Addressing attendees at the West African Social Activities hosted at the 192 Battalion Barracks in Owode Yewa, Ogun State, Major Bala disclosed the interception of a truck transporting 263,300 rounds of star cartridges and 2,500 units of live cartridges of 12 gauge caliber. This interception led to the apprehension of two suspects in July of the current year.

Emphasizing the imperative for collaborative efforts among sister security agencies, the commanding officer reaffirmed the battalion’s unwavering commitment to upholding maximum security within its jurisdiction along the border with Benin Republic.

The West African Social Activities served as a blend of physical, mental, and traditional engagements, bringing together officers, soldiers, and their families, alongside distinguished guests, to mark the conclusion of the operational year 2023 and the commencement of 2024.

The event, designed to foster social bonds among military personnel and their families, provided an opportunity for informal interaction and a platform for showcasing the barracks community’s rich cultural heritage, thereby instilling confidence among soldiers.

During the auspicious gathering, Major Bashiru Bala reiterated the battalion’s dedication to fostering stronger military-civil relations in the host communities while condemning the proliferation of arms and ammunition along its operational borders.

Guest of honor, Major General Stevenson Olabanji (Retired), commended President Bola Tinubu and the Chief of Army Staff for their strategic leadership in providing support to the Armed Forces.

The event featured captivating cultural exhibitions, competitive activities such as tug of war, recognition of outstanding soldiers through awards, distribution of relief materials to widows and wounded personnel, exchange of gifts, ceremonial retreat, and the ceremonial lighting of campfire.