Advisory group builds NPF’s capacity on weapons, ammunition management
By Angela Atabo
The Mines Advisory Group (MAG), an international non-governmental organisation, has taken proactive steps to enhance the capacity of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in weapons and ammunition management.
Collaborating with the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), MAG is working to ensure that the NPF’s weapons and ammunition are properly secured and managed.
MAG’s Programme Manager, Mr Chachu Tadicha, revealed this during a baseline workshop on Physical Security and Stockpile Management held on Thursday in Abuja.
He emphasised the importance of securing government weapons and ammunition and ensuring they remained in the hands of authorised personnel.
Tadicha said the workshop was organised to assess weapons and ammunition management needs in six pilot states: Anambra, Lagos, Plateau, Cross River, Borno, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“The goal is to identify existing gaps and strengthen the management of arms and ammunition across these locations.
“MAG works to find and destroy landmines, cluster munitions, and unexploded ordnance in conflict-affected regions,” he explained.
“That’s why we’ve brought together key stakeholders from six states and the NCCSALW, to identify needs and ensure that storage and control systems are secure, preventing unauthorised access.”
According to him, the baseline workshop marks the first step in identifying gaps in stockpile management and exploring ways to bring storage practices up to international standards.
“For instance, are the armories meeting international standards? What can we do to enhance capacity so weapons stay with the police as intended?” Tadicha asked rhetorically.
He added that the findings from this initial assessment would inform collaborative efforts with NCCSALW and the police to address identified needs.
Also speaking at the event, Technical Field Manager for MAG Nigeria, Mr Jerome Gongotchame, disclosed that the project was funded by the U.S. in partnership with NCCSALW.
Gongotchame explained that the baseline assessment was the starting point to evaluate the current weapons and ammunition management systems in the selected states.
“Following this workshop, we will conduct technical assessments to understand the existing infrastructure, processes, procedures, and systems.
“This will help MAG determine the appropriate support needed to improve storage facilities and build the capacity of police personnel,” he said.
He stated that the outcomes of the workshop would be compiled into a report to be shared with the NPF, NCCSALW, and the U.S. government.
“This report will serve as the foundation for developing an operational plan and intervention strategy.”
Director-General of NCCSALW, Deputy Inspector-General of Police (rtd) Johnson Kokumo, praised MAG for its choice to support Nigeria and for mobilising critical resources for the initiative.
Kokumo highlighted the connection between preventing violent extremism and effective arms management, particularly in West Africa.
“It is well known that violent extremism and criminal activities thrive due to easy access to small arms and light weapons,” he said.
“Efficient arms and ammunition management is therefore a key strategy in curbing the proliferation of illicit weapons, which remains a major threat to peace and development in the ECOWAS region.”
He urged participants to make the most of the opportunity to explore ways to strengthen the existing arms management framework within the Nigeria Police Force.(NAN)
Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa
Published By
- Agriculture and Environment Desk Controller/Website Content Manager.
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