The Federal Government, through the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, has strengthen collaboration with the Nigerian Army to tackle the spread of illicit small arms and light weapons across the country.
This came to the fore 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 curtailing small arms from circulation, warning that their proliferation poses major threat 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 explained that the centre is empowered to receive illicit weapons recovered by security agencies, destroy them, and prosecute gunrunners as part of its mandate.
The NCCSALW boss further stressed the need for close cooperation with the Nigerian Army, noting that the visit is to strengthen collaboration with major stakeholders to share intelligence and information.
While pointing the armed forces crucial role in eradicating 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.
On his part, 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 fighting the menace of illicit arms.