The Inspector General of Police (IG), Hafiz Ringim, yesterday, blamed the military for not consulting the police first before going to the press on the purported interception of 700 explosives.
A national daily had reported that the military intercepted 700 bombs being escorted by two policemen in Abuja. But the police had since debunked this claim, saying they were quarry explosives meant for blasting of rock.
Addressing reporters in his office in Abuja yesterday, Mr Ringim said if the military and the reporter had consulted the police immediately the vehicle, which was escorted by some policemen, was intercepted, they would have received the needed guidance on the event.
“The continued spread of fear and inaccurate report of incident surrounding the interception of a truck loaded with 700 explosives meant for some quarries and construction companies, and was legally escorted by policemen as stipulated by law, would have been curtailed if the military and the reporter had contacted the police,” he said.
“I got to know about the story on the day it was reported in the newspaper. Up till now, neither the military authority nor the reporter had contacted me,” Mr Ringim added.
Speaking on the strained relationship between the police and the military, the police boss said the National Security Adviser (NSA), Owoye Azazi, is doing everything possible to ensure there is synergy among the various security agencies.
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He said two Police Anti-Bomb Squad personnel were officially detailed to escort a consignment of quarry explosives from Dynatrac Nigeria Limited Magazine, Iperu Remo, Ogun State, to some construction companies and quarry sites in Okene, Kogi State, and Abuja.
He gave the names of the construction companies as Broni Prono Construction Company, Okene (already delivered); SCC Construction Company, Abuja; Salini Construction Company, Abuja; Arab Contractors, Abuja; Cinihs Quarry, Mpape, Abuja; and Habibu Quarry, Mpape, Abuja. He added that the policemen escorting the explosives were in company of two members of staff of the company and in possession of the company Way Bill itemising the goods in the truck and their intended destination at the time of arrest.
“I wish to make it clear that the publication in respect of the interception of the truck loaded with explosives meant for Boko Haram was false in its entirety, untrue, and should be discountenanced. The policemen were not detained, as they were only doing their lawful duties,” he said.
Mr Ringim further said the police could not place embargo on the companies producing the explosives, for the workers not to lose their jobs.
He, however, advised all companies involved in the buying and selling of such explosives to always seek clearance from his office with regards to future dealings and handlings because of the current security situation in some parts of the country.
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