Abuja:The Federal Government has announced that electric mobility initiatives in the North-East are playing a crucial role in restricting insurgents’ access to materials necessary for fabricating Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Ahmadu, stated in an interview that the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) has procured 3,700 electric tricycles. These are intended to facilitate transportation for passengers and the conveyance of farm produce from remote communities to markets.
Ahmadu highlighted that the initiative aims to alleviate transportation challenges, rejuvenate economic activities, and support residents displaced by insurgency. He explained that insurgents typically use petroleum products and chemicals like fertilizers for creating explosives. By deploying electric vehicles, the project seeks to reduce reliance on petroleum products in the affected areas, thereby limiting insurgents’ access to bomb-making materials.
In addition to the electric tricycles, the NEDC has acquired 285 electric taxis for use throughout the North-East. The commission is nearing completion of charging stations across the states, which are expected to be operational within 10 days. These stations are anticipated to generate employment for local youths through various commercial activities.
Ahmadu further revealed that the commission has developed a Central Surveillance Security System to enhance security across the North-East and other vulnerable regions. This system is designed to monitor public areas continuously and share intelligence with security agencies to address threats effectively.
The minister emphasized that the deployment of electric mobility and surveillance infrastructure would bolster security, aid economic recovery, and enhance the quality of life for residents in the North-East.