Army promises to check agencies controlling illicit arms activities illegally  

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has assured the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) that Nigerian Army personnel will dismantle any illegal checkpoints or activities by illegal agencies claiming to control illicit arms.

General Lagbaja stressed that the Nigerian Army recognises the centre as the only government-approved and recognised agency charged with the responsibility of tackling illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons, while Field Commanders have been sensitized not to receive anyone outside of the body.

The Army Chief gave the assurance on Tuesday, 11 June 2024 when he played host to the Coordinator, National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, DCP Johnson Babatunde Kokumo (rtd) and members of his team on a courtesy visit to Army Headquarters Abuja, the Nation’s Capital.

The COAS further assured the centre that it has a dependable ally in the Nigerian Army as it pledges the availability of personnel across the country to assist them in areas needed.

“The Nigerian Army has identified the availability of illicit arms as a driver of the insecurity in the country and it looks to see how we can work with such organisations to see that such illegal activities and possessions of illegal arms are brought to its knees.

“The personnel are available in the field to continue to assist in ridding the country of small arms and light weapons.”

General Lagbaja highlighted some of the armory’s spaces provided by the Nigerian Army for the storage of the recovered illicit arms and assured the centre that the Nigerian Army will put in place stringent majors to ensure that recovered arms and legally acquired ones do not find their way into wrong hands.

Speaking on the challenges tabled by the National Coordinator, the COAS assured him that the challenges expressed will be investigated for solutions to be provided. 

He congratulated the new coordinator of the centre and wished him well in combating the proliferation of small arms and light weapons while appreciating the people who have worked tirelessly from its inception to bring the centre to what it is today.

Earlier the Coordinator of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, DCP Johnson Babatunde Kokumo, said they were in the Army Headquarters to register the centre’s profound gratitude for the cordial relationship and support, as well as to appreciate the efforts of the Nigerian Army.

Kokumo said they were also at the Army Headquarters to solicit further assistance as the centre recognizes the essentials of collaborations with the arms-bearing agencies of the government.

“I appreciate the quality of personnel made available to take off the operations of the centre, I also acknowledge the great work done by my predecessor, Major General Abba Dikko retired, who has pioneered and facilitated the bill on Small Arms to the National Assembly,” the coordinator stated.

He appreciated the Nigerian Army for provision of its storage facilities in the Northeast and in Abuja for the storage of recovered arms, while soliciting for more personnel from the Nigerian Army to boost the functionality of the centre.

He highlighted some challenges faced by the centre to include criminal elements running illegitimate outfits and disguising as agencies for controlling illegal arms.

Present at the visit were principal Staff Officers of the Nigerian Army and senior Officers on the entourage of the Coordinator of NCCSALW.