FG steps up efforts to curb illicit arms proliferation in Nigeria

The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), operating under the Office of the National Security Adviser, has stepped up efforts to curb the spread of illicit arms across Nigeria through enhanced collaboration with key stakeholders.

As part of the initiative, the Director-General of the Centre, Johnson Kokumo, undertook a three-day working visit to Maiduguri, Borno State, aimed at strengthening partnerships and advancing measures to combat the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the North-East.

Speaking during a dinner and stakeholders’ engagement attended by representatives of the Borno State Government and security agencies, Kokumo said stronger cooperation among relevant institutions would significantly reduce the circulation of illegal weapons and contribute to improved security nationwide.

Represented at the dinner by the Director of Administration and Finance of NCCSALW, Brig.-Gen. M. S. Adamu, the Director-General noted that the centre was working closely with security agencies and other stakeholders to recover illicit weapons for destruction.

He added that the Federal Government had empowered the centre to prosecute individuals involved in the illegal arms trade, stressing the need for sustained support and collaboration.

Kokumo explained that NCCSALW was established through an Act of the National Assembly in 2024 to address the proliferation, trafficking, unlawful possession and misuse of small arms and light weapons in the country.

He noted that the North-East Zonal Centre, headquartered in Maiduguri, covers Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe states.

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, represented by his Special Adviser on Security Matters, Brig.-Gen. Ishak, commended the centre’s efforts in tackling illegal arms proliferation and pledged the state’s continued support towards achieving its mandate.

Also speaking, the North-East Zonal Director of NCCSALW, Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Adamu (retd), reaffirmed the centre’s commitment to maintaining strong partnerships with stakeholders to ensure proper control, accountability and lawful management of recovered weapons.

Among those present at the engagement were the Chairman of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisation Network in Borno State, Barrister Zana Mustapha, the Borno State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), as well as representatives of the DSS, NDLEA, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and senior officials of the centre.

Other activities during the Director-General’s visit included a meeting with staff of the Centre, where he urged them to remain dedicated and professional in carrying out their duties.

He also inspected the construction of the North-East permanent site of the centre, paid a courtesy visit to the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, Maj.-Gen. A. E. Abubakar, and inspected a proposed site for an armoury facility.