FG reiterates commitment to tackling arms proliferation

Director General, National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW ) DIG Johnson Kokumo (Rtrd) has reiterated the commitment of the center to eradicating the proliferation of illicit arms and ammunition in the country.

Kokumo, who stated this on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti during a familiarisation visit to the South-West Zonal Office of NCCSALW, said the proliferation of arms has contributed to the insecurity situation in the country.

He explained that the NCCSALW Act 2024 had given the center the powers to control the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the country.

The DG further noted that the center is in collaboration with other security agencies to ensure that the country is rid of illicit arms and ammunition. Hence, he called for the support of relevant stakeholders.

According to him, “The fight against proliferation of illicit arms and ammunition remains one that we will fight and win. No stone should be left unturned. We are not resting to ensure that we have an illicit arms-free society in Nigeria.

“NCCSALW Act 2024 gives the Centre the legal framework with which to work and has placed the responsibility for the control of the proliferation of small arms and light weapons on the Centre.

“The Centre remains the sole agency of government charged with such responsibility. The Centre is doing this in collaboration with other security agencies of government that rid the Nigerian society of the proliferation of illicit arms.

“That is exemplified in what transpired between the Centre and the Nigeria Customs Service where 844 assorted weapons and rifles were intercepted at Onne Port and were handed over to the Centre. The criminal elements who brought them in have been arrested, investigated, and currently undergoing prosecution.”

The South West Zonal Coordinator of NCCSALW, Ben Akinlade said the Centre in the South-West Zone had successfully carried out sensitisation to the residents on the dangers associated with the possession of illicit arms and ammunition.

According to him, “We have been able to gather intelligence in respect of our core duties. Part of our work is to conduct security surveys and inspections of areas prone to illicit arms and other things.

“We have organised media chats, sensitized the communities, including faith-based organisations, who have carried our message that illicit arms are dangerous, and when you see something, you say something.”

The familiarisation visit had in attendance leadership of security agencies in the State, representatives of the Ekiti State government, and other stakeholders.