Illicit arms control: Centre seeks army’s support
By Sumaila Ogbaje
The National Centre for Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) has solicited the support of the Nigerian Army in tackling the menace of illicit arms proliferation in the country.
The National Coordinator of the centre, retired DIG Johnson Kokumo, made the call when he led his management team on courtesy visit to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Kokumo also called on the Nigerian army to help the centre in apprehending the criminals that had been parading themselves and usurping the functions of NCCSALW in different parts of the country.
He said that a leader of one of such illegal bodies known as NatCom had been apprehended and remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre for undertaking illegal activities.
He also called on the army high command to make available quality personnel to assist in ensuring that key positions at the centre were adequately manned.
“We need to collaborate on our efforts with the arms bearing agencies to fulfill the mandate of the centre.
“We need the support of the army, particularly in tackling activities of some illegal outfits claiming to be fighting proliferation of illicit arms in the country.
“The centre has been privileged to have some competent army officers serving in different capacities and we are requesting for more of such hands,” he said.
Kokumo appreciated the Nigerian army for making its facilities available for the centre to serve as its storage facilities across the country, adding that the army had assisted NCCSALW to be effective since its establishment.
Responding, the Chief of Army Staff commended the centre for its efforts in combating the menace of illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the country.
Lagbaja assured the centre of army’s commitment to partnering and supporting their efforts towards achieving the objective of ridding the nation of illicit arms, adding that illicit arms were major drivers of violent extremism.
He promised to provide the needed support to the centre and ensure that army formations were available for NCCSALW for its effective functioning.
According to him, army will continue to put in place measures to ensure that weapons in possession of the army personnel don’t get into wrong hands.
The COAS said that the Nigerian army only recognised NCCSALW as the only legal body charged with such responsibility.
He added that army troops had been directed to dismantle all illegal checkpoint set up by the illegal bodies wherever they exist. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Isaac Aregbesola
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