FG steps up efforts to curb illicit arms proliferation in Nigeria
NCCSALW Enhances Efforts to Address Illicit Arms in Nigeria
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), operating under the Office of the National Security Adviser, has intensified its efforts to combat the spread of illegal arms throughout Nigeria by fostering collaboration with essential stakeholders.
Director-General Johnson Kokumo recently completed a three-day working visit to Maiduguri, Borno State, focusing on strengthening partnerships and advancing strategies against the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the North-East region.
During a dinner event attended by representatives from the Borno State Government and various security agencies, Kokumo emphasized that enhanced cooperation among relevant institutions could significantly diminish the circulation of illegal weapons, contributing to improved national security.
Brig.-Gen. M. S. Adamu, the Director of Administration and Finance at NCCSALW, represented Kokumo at the dinner. He highlighted the Centre’s collaborative efforts with security agencies and stakeholders to recover illicit weapons for destruction.
Kokumo also noted that the Federal Government has empowered the Centre to prosecute individuals involved in the illegal arms trade, underscoring the ongoing need for consistent support and collaboration.
Established through an Act of the National Assembly in 2024, NCCSALW aims to address the proliferation, trafficking, unlawful possession, and misuse of small arms and light weapons across Nigeria. The North-East Zonal Centre is based in Maiduguri and serves Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe states.
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, represented by his Special Adviser on Security Matters, Brig.-Gen. Ishak, praised the Centre’s efforts to tackle illegal arms proliferation and pledged the state’s ongoing support for its initiatives.
Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Adamu (retd), the North-East Zonal Director of NCCSALW, reiterated the Centre’s commitment to forging strong partnerships with stakeholders to ensure the proper control, accountability, and lawful management of recovered weapons.
The engagement featured participation from various officials, including the Chairman of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisation Network in Borno State, Barrister Zana Mustapha, and representatives from the Department of State Services, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, among others.
Kokumo’s visit also included a meeting with Centre staff, where he encouraged dedication and professionalism in their roles. Additionally, he inspected the construction of the North-East’s permanent site and visited the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, Maj.-Gen. A. E. Abubakar, to evaluate a proposed site for an armoury facility.
