NSA Applauds Approval Of Bill Establishing Centre For Control of Small Arms 

National Security Adviser(NSA), Nuhu Ribadu has expressed appreciation for the approval of the Bill establishing the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, citing it as a significant achievement in the effort to combat the proliferation of illicit arms.

At a workshop focused on gender mainstreaming in preventing the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria and the West African Region, Ribadu expressed his response to the approval of the bill.

The workshop was organized by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons and took place at the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Abuja, Nigeria.

Represented by the Director External Affairs, Office of the National Security Adviser, Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, the NSA said the legislative backing strengthens the Centre’s mandate and paves the way for more coordinated and decisive action against illegal arms proliferation. 

According to the NSA, the ECOWAS Convention on small arms and light weapons underscores the collective responsibility of the region to curb the spread of dangerous weapons abuse which directly affects women and children in conflict zones.

“The fact that this workshop focuses on gender mainstreaming is quite interesting as it aligns with our national and international commitments to ensuring that women play a central role in peace and security processes, and this is something we must continue to prioritize.

“This workshop is also a reflection of the Federal Government’s wider efforts to address the myriads of security challenges confronting our dear nation,” the NSA said.

He highlighted the importance of gender mainstreaming in preventing the proliferation of small arms and light weapons which ensures that the approach to security is inclusive and sustainable. 

Earlier, the National Coordinator, National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Deputy Commissioner of Police DCP Johnson Babatunde Kokumo said the National Centre has retrieved a total of 3,383 decommissioned, unserviceable, obsolete and illicit small arms and light weapons. 

Kokumo said the centre also received 26,749 various ammunition from arms-bearing agencies of government including the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Nigerian Army (NA), Nigerian Navy (NN), Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

Others include the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Security & Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), amongst others. 

He said the goal of the workshop was to provide a platform for constructive dialogue, exchange of ideas, and formulation of practical recommendations. 

Retired Major General Anthony Atolagbe a Military Consultant, Security Expert and Analyst, delivered a Lecture at the event that highlighted the four Pillars of women in peace and security including the participation of women in disarmament decision-making, arms control programmes, Prevention of the Proliferation of small arms and early warning signs for conflict-related sexual violence, protection and Relieve and Recovery.

Lantana Nasir