FG, Nigerian Army Partner to Tackle Proliferation of Small Arms
The Federal Government has strengthened its efforts to combat the spread of illicit weapons by partnering with the Nigerian Army through the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW).
The collaboration was formalised on Wednesday when the Northeast Zonal Coordinator of the Centre, Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Adamu (retd.), paid a courtesy visit to the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division, Nigerian Army Headquarters, Maiduguri, Brig.-Gen. U.V. Unachukwu.
Adamu stressed that unchecked circulation of small arms threatens peace, security, and economic growth. He noted that the NCCSALW operates as a multi-agency platform comprising the Police, Department of State Services, and both serving and retired military officers.
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“One of our responsibilities is to prevent the proliferation of small arms and light weapons and also to enlighten the people,” he explained. “The Centre is mandated to receive illicit weapons recovered by security agencies, destroy them, and prosecute offenders involved in gunrunning.”
He added that effective intelligence sharing and strong collaboration with the military remain critical to addressing the menace. “Without the armed forces, there is no way we can eradicate the proliferation of small arms and light weapons,” he said.
Commending the Nigerian Army’s dedication to safeguarding lives and property, Adamu pledged to deepen partnership with the force in order to strengthen national security.
In his response, Brig.-Gen. Unachukwu assured the NCCSALW of the Division’s full support. He praised Adamu’s track record as a result-oriented officer and commended the Centre’s engagement with security agencies, traditional institutions, and community stakeholders.
“Such synergy,” he said, “is vital in the collective fight against the scourge of illicit weapons.”
By PRNigeria
