The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) says it has recovered more than 22,000 pieces of arms across Nigeria since 2015 as part of efforts to curb the proliferation of illicit weapons and tackle insecurity.
Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Adamu (rtd.), the North-East Zonal Director of the NCCSALW, under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), disclosed this on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to the Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, Maj.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose, in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Adamu said the illicit circulation of small arms and light weapons remained a significant national security concern, driven by cross-border trafficking, diversion from authorised stockpiles, local production of firearms and the availability of weapons to criminal and violent extremist groups.
He explained that the recoveries recorded since 2015 were achieved through collaboration between the NCCSALW and relevant security and law enforcement agencies.
According to him, the Centre also supports the recovery, documentation, tracing and destruction of illicit, obsolete and unserviceable arms, ammunition and explosives.
“The Centre continues to implement its mandate through law enforcement support, inter-agency coordination, capacity building, stockpile management, arms recovery and destruction, community engagement and public sensitisation,” he said.
The zonal director added that the Centre supports the arrest, investigation and prosecution of individuals involved in illicit small arms and light weapons offences.
He cited cases involving the importation of 844 firearms and 112,500 cartridges, 55 Jojef Magnum shotguns, as well as cases of unlawful possession and sale of arms.
Adamu further disclosed that several illicit arms recovered by the Nigerian Customs Service had been handed over to the NCCSALW, while other government security agencies had also transferred recovered weapons to the Centre.
During the visit, the NCCSALW zonal director condoled with the Theatre Commander over the recent Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in which some personnel lost their lives.
Responding, Maj.-Gen. Ajose appreciated the NCCSALW and its North-East Zonal Director for the visit and support.
He directed his Chief of Staff to appoint a desk officer who would maintain constant liaison with the NCCSALW Zonal Centre to enhance coordination and ensure effective delivery of their respective mandates.
