Concerned Groups Move Against Illegal Arms Flow In Nigeria

Posted by Eric Ojo African News, Featured, Latest Headlines, News, News Across Nigeria, News From The State Saturday, August 21st, 2021

(AFRICAN EXAMINER) – The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALE) has announced its partnership with the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in order to get rid of illegal arms and light weapons, especially at the maritime and land borders of the country.

National Coordinator of NCCSAWL, Maj-Gen. Abba Dikko (rtd), said his organization has sought ties with the respective agencies when he paid separate courtesy visits to their respective leaders.

Dikko noted that the aim of the visits was to acquaint the organisations with NCCSALW; its core functions and objectives of the NCCSALW and leverage the unique capabilities of the agencies to achieve the common aim.

While decrying the increase of illicit arms and weapons across the country, NCCSALW’s Director of Strategic Communication and Information, Group Captain Ewejide Akintinde, added that the national coordinator also sought the partnership of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS).

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NDLEA, Brig-Gen.Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd) has expressed his gratitude to the leadership of NCCSALW for the noble gesture.

Marwa maintained that the fight against illicit arms in the polity is a must, in view of the increasing spread in illicit weapons in the country.

He therefore implored the national coordinator not to relent on his effort in delivering the mandates of the Centre. He also pledged to extend his support to the Centre in the achievement of its objectives.

Similarly, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, commended the timely inauguration of the NCCSALW in spear-heading the eradication of illicit arms in the country.

Gambo noted the government’s efforts to decongest the seaports and how illegal arms find their way into the country as a result of sharp practices in the congested seaports. He disclosed that efforts are ongoing to fully resume responsibilities of the Nigerian Navy in the nation’s sea ports and creeks.

“Delightedly, the Navy has intensified its anti-piracy operations and is beginning to yield good results in its efforts”, he added.

The Naval chief urged the Centre to, as a matter of priority, devises means of checking illegal arms craft and reiterated that all stakeholders have the responsibility to render support to the establishment.

He also pledged on behalf of the Nigerian Navy to give his maximum support to the Centre in the actualizing its objectives.

On his part, the Comptroller of Immigration (CGI), Mohammed Babandede applauded the President’s well-timed decision to establish the Centre.

Babandede promised to adjust the NIS’ terms of engagement at the borders to also include looking out for weapons and pointed out that introduction of the new approach would guarantee the enhancement of border security in Nigeria. The CGI then pledged the NIS’ support to the Centre to accomplish its core functions.

In a related development, the Controller General of NCoS, Haliru Nababa noted that effective control of arms and reduction of its excessive availability in the country is a prerequisite in ensuring peace and security in the polity.

Nababa pointed out that the Custodial Centres designed to keep felons out of circulation have unfortunately become targets of attack by hoodlums often emboldened by easy access to arms and ammunition.

According to him, the Service has suffered about 27 armed attacks on its custodial facilities from 2009 to date. He however, assured that “the NCoS have continued to maintain strict monitoring and supervision of personnel to discourage carelessness in the handling of weapons and to avoid pilferage”.

He further disclosed that checks and balances like physical inspection of armouries and regular returns on arms and ammunition from all formations have been put in place to maintain proper records.