Insecurity: FG Security Agency intensifies partnership With Stakeholders, visits Maiduguri

By Idris Ayinde

The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), under the Office of the National Security Adviser to President Bola Tinubu has intensified partnership with relevant authorities to curtail the menace of the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons in the country.

To this end, the Director General of the Centre, Johnson Kokumo has paid a three-Day working visit to Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, solidifying partnerships with stakeholders in ensuring that the proliferation of arms and ammunition was completely eradicated in the Northeastern region.

While speaking during a dinner and interactive meeting with Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno state and other security stakeholders, Kokumo said the collaboration with every security stakeholders would go a long way in curtailing the menace of the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW), thereby reducing the level of insecurity in the country.

The D-G, who was represented by Brig:- Gen. M.S Adamu, Director of Administration and Finance, NCCSALW, explained that the Centre was working in collaboration with all stakeholders in the country to mop up all Small Arms and Light Weapons for onward destruction,

He added that the the Centre has been mandated by the federal government to prosecute any individual involved in the proliferation of illicit weapons in the country and is therefore seeking for more support and collaboration from all stakeholders in the country.

According to him, the NCCSALW was established by an Act of the National Assembly in 2024 to curb the proliferation, illicit possession, trafficking and misuse of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria,

The Northeast Zonal Centre which has its headquarters in Maiduguri, has jurisdiction over Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe States.

Gov. Babagana Zulum, who was represented by Brig:-Gen Ishak, the Special Adviser to the governor on Security Matters appreciated the meeting and commended the Centre for its efforts in addressing the menace of illicit arms proliferation in the region.

He expressed willingness in providing an enabling environment for the Centre and pledged his administration’s continued support to the NCCSALW in the discharge of its statutory responsibilities.

Also speaking, Maj:-Gen. Abubakar Adamu (Rtd), the Northeast Zonal Director of NCCSALW, reaffirmed the commitment of the Centre in sustaining collaboration with all necessary stakeholders to ensure effective control, accountability and lawful management of recovered small arms and light weapons.

Other stakeholders present at the engagement included; the Chairman, Coalition of Civil Society Organisation Network, Borno and Barrister Zana Mustapha, an influential humanitarian and solicitor, the Borno state Coordinator of NYSC and representatives of DSS, NDLEA, Immigration, Custom, Civil Defense, senior staff of the Centre among others.

Some other highlights the DG’s visit included an extensive meeting with the staff of the Centre where he urged them to be focused and diligent in discharging their responsibilities, the supervision of the construction of the NorthEast permanent site of the Centre and a courtesy visit to the Theatre Commander, Operation HANDI KAI (OPHK), Maj:-Gen. A.E Abubakar as well as the inspection of a land for armoury construction.