By Mohammed Dala Lawan
The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), under the Office of the National Security Adviser, has organised a one-day stakeholders’ sensitisation workshop in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, aimed at strengthening efforts to curb the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons.
Speaking at the workshop, the Director-General of the National Centre, DIG Babatunde Kokumo (Rtd), described the proliferation of small arms and light weapons as a complex and multidimensional challenge confronting Nigeria.
Declaring the workshop open, DIG Babatunte Kokumo (Rtd), represented at the event, by Wing Commander U. Ekuerhari, noted that the menace has contributed to the deterioration of physical security, undermined development efforts, and limited access to social services.
DIG Kokumo explained that the widespread availability of small arms and light weapons in the hands of unauthorised individuals has fuelled violent crimes and conflicts across the country, posing serious threats to peace and stability.
He recalled that in response to these challenges, the Federal Government established the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons on 10 May 2021, in line with the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons.
The DG further disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Act, 2024, into law on 4 June 2024, providing a comprehensive legal framework for arms control and Nigeria’s compliance with regional and international obligations.
According to him, the Act applies across the Federation and empowers the Centre to coordinate, implement, and monitor efforts to prevent, combat, and eradicate the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons.
Also speaking, the North-East Zonal Director of the Centre, Major General Abubakar Adamu (Rtd), said the Damaturu engagement was the second in the zone, following a similar workshop held in Borno State.
He explained that the forum brought together key stakeholders, including the judiciary, security agencies, and civil society organisations, to educate them on the provisions of the new Act and their respective roles in addressing arms proliferation.
Major General Adamu stressed that security is a collective responsibility, urging citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, noting that effective control of small arms and light weapons would significantly reduce insecurity in the country.
One of the participants, Alhaji Baba Shehu, described the workshop as timely, saying it provided an opportunity for stakeholders to collaborate with law enforcement and the justice sector in tackling the proliferation of illicit arms.
He added that civil society organisations also have a vital role to play in sensitising the public and supporting government agencies in the implementation of the law.
The workshop is part of ongoing efforts to enhance peace, security, and community safety in the North-East and Nigeria as a whole.
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