Arms control centre frowns on flow of weapons through land borders

It has, however, sealed pacts with the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to get rid the country of illegal arms and light weapons.

The National Coordinator of NCCSALW, Maj-Gen. Abba Dikko (Retd), sought the ties with the agencies when he paid separate courtesy visits on the leaders of the agencies.

According to a statement by the Director, Strategic Communication & Information, NCCSALW, Group Captain Ewejide Akintinde, the coordinator also sought the partnership of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), while decrying the increase of illicit arms and weapons across the country.

Dikko noted that the aim of the visits was to acquaint the organisations with NCCSALW; its core functions and objectives of the NCCSALW and leverage the unique capabilities of the agencies to achieve the common aim.

Responding, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig-Gen.Mohammed Buba Marwa (Retd), maintained that the fight against illicit arms in the polity is a must, in view of the increasing spread in illicit weapons in the country.

Marwa implored the NCCSALW boss not to relent in his effort in delivering the mandates of the centre, pledging to extend his support to the centre in the achievement of its objectives.

In the same vein, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo,  commended the timely inauguration of the NCCSALW in spear-heading the eradication of illicit arms in the country.

Gambo while noting the government’s efforts to decongest the seaports, stated that illegal arms find their way into the country as a result of sharp practices in the congested seaports. He disclosed that efforts are ongoing to fully resume responsibilities of the Nigerian Navy in the nation’s sea ports and creeks.

“Delightedly, the Navy has intensified its anti-piracy operations and is beginning to yield good results in its efforts,” the CNS said.

The Naval Chief further implored the centre to, as a matter of priority, devise means of checking illegal arms craft and reiterated that all stakeholders have the responsibility to render support to the centre.

He also pledged on behalf of the Nigerian Navy to give his maximum support to the centre in the achievement of its objectives.

On his part, the Comptroller-General of NCoS, Haliru Nababa, noted that effective control of arms and reduction of its excessive availability in the country are prerequisites in ensuring peace and security in the polity.

Nababa stated that the custodial centres designed to keep felons out of circulation have unfortunately become targets of attack by hoodlums often emboldened by easy access to arms and ammunition.

According to him, the service has suffered about 27 armed attacks on its custodial facilities from 2009 to date but assured that “the NCoS has continued to maintain strict monitoring and supervision of personnel to discourage carelessness in the handling of weapons and to avoid pilferage.”

Furthermore, he said, checks and balances like physical inspection of armouries and regular returns on arms and ammunition from all formations have been put in place to maintain proper records.

Banana, however, suggested some measures to curb the menace of the proliferation of SALW and guaranteed the full support of the NCoS.

Similarly, the Comptroller of Immigration (CGI), Mohammed Babandede, on his part applauded the President’s well-timed decision to establish the Centre.

Babandede promised to adjust the NIS’ terms of engagement at the borders to also include looking out for weapons and pointed out that introduction of the new approach would guarantee the enhancement of border security in Nigeria.