The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu says the greatest enemies of the nation are those who, by virtue of their jobs in arms-bearing agencies, have access to weapons but choose to sell them to the state’s adversaries.
According to the NSA, this group is no different from those who sell weapons to countries within Africa solely to incite conflict and violence among their own people.
Mallam Nuhu Ribadu made the passionate statement at the Arms Destruction Exercise organised by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons at the Mohammadu Buhari Cantonment Giri Abuja.
The NSA said; “the government of President Bola Ahmed remains committed to empowering the National Centre to carry out its mandate” while applauding the centre for its continues zeal and dedication to see that the nation is rid off illicit weapons.
He said; “The proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons remains a major threat to our national security, exacerbating issues like insurgency, banditry and other violent crimes.
“Today’s Arms Destruction Exercise, one of several conducted in the past, with more planned for the near future, is the main focus of the Centre, and a decisive step in our effort to address the challenge of arms proliferation. By destroying unserviceable, obsolete and recovered arms, we are demonstrating our commitment to a secure future for all Nigerians.”
Mallam Ribadu said the recent assent to the Bill establishing the National Centre has reinvigorated its mission, empowering it with renewed zeal and strengthening its mandate to enable a more coordinated approach to combating illicit arms proliferation.
He applauded the collaboration of security agencies which has been instrumental to the effort towards having an illicit weapon free society.
The National Coordinator, National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, (NCCSALW), retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Johnson Kokumo said “Nigeria’s national security architecture has been pivotal in the nation’s collective fight against illicit arms proliferation.”
According Kokumo, the arms destruction exercise is the third in the series since the National Centre was established and the first since he assumed command at the Centre in April this year.
He said; “We will all be witnessing the destruction of over 2,400 illicit weapons, comprising a mix of unserviceable, decommissioned and recovered arms. These weapons have been mopped up by the military, police and other security agencies across the country. By permanently removing these arms from circulation, we reduce the risk they pose to our communities and send a clear message: Nigeria will not tolerate the illegal trafficking and possession of small arms and light weapons.”
The Coordinator stressed that the destruction exercise of over 2,400 illicit weapons, comprising a mix of unserviceable, decommissioned and recovered arms.
Kokumo said; “These weapons have been mopped up by the military, police and other security agencies across the country. By permanently removing these arms from circulation, we reduce the risk they pose to our communities and is in line with the provisions of Article 17 of the ECOWAS Convention on small ams and light weapons as well as the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons.”
He appreciated the support and cooperation of the Service Chiefs, Inspector General of Police and heads of other arms bearing security and intelligence services who have continued to support the efforts of the centre.
Kokumo expressed the centre’s readiness to receiving more Illicit weapons that are either surrendered captured or intercepted during operations.
He urged all stakeholders to maintain vigilance and encourage further cooperation in the collective fight against illegal ams proliferation.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
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