Police sensitize scavengers on Explosive Ordinance Devices identification
From Ahmad saka,
BauchiBauchi State Police Command has trained members of the National Association of Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria and Waste Recycling Association of Nigeria, Bauchi State Chapter on how to identify Explosives Ordinance Devices, improvised devices and other dangerous items.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Sani Omolori Aliyu represented by Assistant Commissioner of Police ACP Musa Muhammad Amadu, asked the participants to be wary of danger at their scavenging sites for the security of their lives.
CP Omolori critically examined the risk awareness of explosive ordnance for scrap and waste dealers.
He said this awareness is crucial, particularly for individuals working in industries that handle scrap metal and waste materials in the State.
The Commissioner explained that “Explosive ordnance is a military or improvised device that can cause harm or destruction.
“They come in various forms, including ERW (Explosive Remnants of War) and IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices).
“ERW are unexploded ordinances from past conflicts, while IEDs are homemade devices used in terrorist attacks or other malicious activities”.
He said “Risks Associated with Explosive Ordnance.Handling explosive ordnance can lead to severe injuries or fatalities.
The risks include physical harm, such as burns, shrapnel wounds, and other traumatic injuries.
Additionally, survivors may experience long-term consequences, including psychological trauma, disability, or loss of livelihood.
“CP Omolori asked the Participants to make the best use of the knowledge they acquired and educated others who are not around.
The Commander, Bomb Squad of the Command DSP Sunday Ekphah, said the sensitisation became necessary to the association on how to identify and deal with metals and other items used for fabrication of explosive devices.
Sunday explained that “Education and awareness are critical in preventing accidents and promoting public safety. Individuals can protect themselves and their communities by understanding the risks associated with explosive ordnance
“He said the Command is committed to providing training and awareness to scrap and waste dealers on the risks associated with explosive ordnance.
Commander explained that the sensitisation campaign was a collaboration between the Police Force and the National bodies of the unions which were implemented in all states of the federation.
In his presentation DSP Yusuf Muhammad, advised participants not to buy every metal from unknown sources and report suspicious items to Police authorities.
Yusuf reminded them on the importance of collective effort for securing the country stressing that security is everybody’s business and urged all and sundry to report anything suspicious towards achieving the desired objectives.
He advised them to always follow Key Safety guide in order to be safe by distancing themselves over 300 Meters away,Other safety guides are Maintain a safe distance to avoid potential harm.
Don’t Touch: Never handle unknown devices, as they can be deadly and Make a Call to Trusted Persons: Report suspicious devices/items to the Police or other trusted individuals for timely and safe handling.
He Referred them” to incidents that have occurred in various locations across the nation, including Kano, Kaduna, Lagos, and Yobe, underscores the importance of awareness about explosive ordnance risks.
A scavenger picked up a military ordnance, thinking it was scrap iron, and it exploded and dismembered him into pieces.
This tragic event emphasises the need for education and awareness programs to safeguard our lives”.
On his part the Chairman of the Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers Association of Nigeria, Mallam Shagari Mohammad, commended the NPF for the sensitisation while pledging to step down the knowledge acquired to their members.
Scavengers from across the 20 local government areas of Bauchi State were in attendance.
