Commissioner for Science and Technology in Plateau State, Hon. Dan Manjang on Thursday said there are underway to collaborate with Defense Headquarters in involving local blacksmiths who fabricate local arms with a view to producing legal arms and ammunition for Nigerian military.
According to Manjang, the idea would help in mopping out illegal arms and control the proliferation of locally-made firearms which have compounded insecurity in the state.
Manjang, who was the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Simon Lalong, said he would revisit the amnesty programme which was declared last year by the governor and was not fully implemented.
Said he, “As a way of providing employment for youths in Plateau, we will identify blacksmiths whom we know are engaged into the fabrication of illegal arms and partner with the Defense Headquarters in their training to enable them produce legally arms and ammunitions for the Nigerian Army. When these people are satisfied, the will become employee of the Defense Headquarters.”
“This matter was raised by the former Commander of the Special Task Force (STF) in charge of internal security in Plateau, Major General Rogers Nicholas, that these boys who fabricates illegal arms should be identify and train them in collaboration with the Defense Headquarters for legal activities.”
