….seeks stakeholder support to mop up arms from unauthorized persons
The Director General, National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, NCCSALW, DIG Johnson Babatunde Kokumo (rtd) has reiterated the commitment of the Centre in eradicating the proliferation of illicit arms and ammunitions in the country I’m view of its effect on the society.
DIG Kokumo who stated this on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti during a familiarization visit to the South-West Zonal Office of NCCSALW affirmed they the proliferation of arms has contributed to insecurity situation in the country.
He explained that the NCCSALW Act 2024 has given the centre the powers to control the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the country.
The DG further noted that the Centre is in collaboration with other security agencies in ensuring that the country is rid of illicit arms and ammunitions, hence he called for the support of relevant stakeholders.
His words: “The fight against proliferation of illicit arms and ammunitions 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 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 we rid the Nigerian society of 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 sensitization to the residents on the dangers associated with the possession of illicit arms and ammunitions.
According to him, “We have been able to gather intelligence in respect of our core duties. Part of our work is to conduct security survey and inspection of areas prone to illicit arms and other things.
“We have organized media chats, sensitized the communities including faith based organizations, who have carried our message that illicit arms is danger and when you see something, you say something.”
The familiarization visit had in attendance leadership of security agencies in the State, representative of the Ekiti State government and other stakeholders.