Illicit arms control gets a boost as the Federal Government partners with the Nigerian Army to combat illegal weapons and enhance national security.
Illicit arms control in Nigeria received a strategic boost this week as the Federal Government, through the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), announced a renewed partnership with the Nigerian Army to curb the spread of illegal weapons nationwide.
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The collaboration was solidified on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Adamu (retd), the Northeast Zonal Coordinator of NCCSALW, to the General Officer Commanding 7 Division of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri.
Adamu highlighted the dangerous impact of illicit arms proliferation on peace, public safety, and economic stability.
“One of our responsibilities is to prevent the proliferation of small arms and light weapons and also to enlighten the people,” he stated, emphasizing the Centre’s role in intelligence sharing and public sensitization.
He explained that NCCSALW is a multi-agency body comprising personnel from the Police, Department of State Services, and both retired and serving military officers.
The agency also oversees the destruction of recovered weapons and the prosecution of offenders.
Adamu described close cooperation with the military as essential. “Without the armed forces, there is no way we can eradicate the proliferation of illicit arms” he noted, pledging stronger ties with defense forces.
In response, Brig.-Gen. U.V. Unachukwu reaffirmed the Division’s commitment to the initiative, describing Adamu as a “result-oriented officer.
He applauded NCCSALW’s collaborative approach involving local communities, traditional rulers, and other security bodies.
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The strategic partnership marks a proactive step toward reducing the supply of illicit arms and improving national security—a goal both agencies say they are determined to achieve.
