FG, army join forces to curb proliferation of small arms

The Federal Government, through the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, has teamed up with the Nigerian Army to tackle the spread of illicit small arms and light weapons across the country.

The partnership was formalised on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to the General Officer Commanding, 7 Division, Nigerian Army Headquarters in Maiduguri, by the Northeast Zonal Coordinator of NCCSALW, Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Adamu (retd).

Adamu emphasised the importance of collaboration in removing small arms from circulation, warning that their proliferation poses serious threats to peaceful coexistence and economic activities.

“One of our responsibilities is to prevent the proliferation of small arms and light weapons and also to enlighten the people. We are a multi-agency department, comprising the Police, Department of State Services, retired and serving military officers,” he said.

He added that the centre is empowered to receive illicit weapons recovered by security agencies, destroy them, and prosecute gunrunners as part of its mandate.

Adamu further stressed the need for close cooperation with the Nigerian Army, noting, “What we are doing is visiting major stakeholders to share intelligence and information. Without the armed forces, there is no way we can eradicate the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.”

The retired general commended the Nigerian Army for its commitment to ensuring the safety of Nigerians and pledged to strengthen the partnership to enhance national security.

In response, Brig.-Gen. U.V. Unachukwu assured the Centre of the Division’s full support, praising Adamu’s track record as a result-oriented officer. He also lauded the NCCSALW’s collaboration with security agencies, traditional rulers, and other key stakeholders, saying such synergy would significantly help in combating the menace of illicit arms.