FG urges regional efforts to combat insecurity in ECOWAS

The Federal Government, on Tuesday, urged for regional efforts to check the proliferation of small arms and Improvised Explosive Device IED Threats which together present a pressing security challenge facing the ECOWAS region.

The Director General, National Centre for Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) DIG Johnson Kokumo (Rtd) canvassed for the regional approach while declaring open ECOWAS Coordination Meeting of National Commissions on Small Arms with the theme “Countering Improvised Explosive Devices, Promoting Administration and Management of Small Arms and Light Weapons, and Regulating Craft Weapons Production in the ECOWAS Region” holding in Abuja.

He said Nigeria, as a member of ECOWAS is deeply committed to countering the threat posed by the illegal circulation of SALW within and around its borders and throughout the region.

He pointed out that Nigeria has consistently demonstrated its resolve to continue to counter the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

According to him, “The challenge of small arms proliferation and IED threats transcend our borders and therefore demand a robust and unified response.

“The FGN applauds ECOWAS for its relentless dedication to regional peace and security and is ever willing and ready to work hand-in-hand with our brothers and sisters in the region,”.

He stated that the meeting would provide a unique platform to further consolidate collective strategies, align our goals, and ensure that our national actions contribute meaningfully to regional stability and urged participants to engage in open and solution-focused discussions.

According  to him, “Together, through concerted action and commitment, we can make our communities safer, our borders more secure and our region a beacon of peace and resilience,”