The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), under the Office of the National Security Adviser, has intensified efforts to tackle the proliferation of illicit arms across Nigeria by strengthening collaboration with key stakeholders.
As part of the move, the Director-General of the Centre, Johnson Kokumo, embarked on a three-day working visit to Maiduguri aimed at deepening partnerships and enhancing strategies to combat the spread of small arms and light weapons in the North-East.
Speaking during a dinner and stakeholders’ engagement attended by officials of the Borno State Government and various security agencies, Kokumo said improved synergy among relevant institutions would go a long way in reducing the circulation of illegal weapons and boosting security across the country.
Represented by the Director of Administration and Finance of NCCSALW, M. S. Adamu, the Director-General said the centre is working closely with security agencies and other stakeholders to recover illicit arms for destruction.
He added that the Federal Government has also granted the centre powers to prosecute those involved in illegal arms trafficking, emphasizing the importance of continued support and cooperation.
Kokumo explained that NCCSALW was established by an Act of the National Assembly in 2024 to tackle the proliferation, trafficking, unlawful possession, and misuse of small arms and light weapons nationwide.
He noted that the North-East Zonal Centre, headquartered in Maiduguri, oversees operations in Adamawa State, Bauchi State, Borno State, Gombe State, Taraba State, and Yobe State.
Babagana Zulum, represented by his Special Adviser on Security Matters, Ishak, praised the centre’s efforts in addressing illegal arms proliferation and assured the state government’s continued support toward its mission.
Also speaking, the North-East Zonal Director of NCCSALW, Abubakar Adamu, reiterated the centre’s commitment to sustaining strong partnerships with stakeholders to ensure accountability, control, and lawful management of recovered weapons.
The engagement was attended by the Chairman of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisation Network in Borno State, Barrister Zana Mustapha, the Borno State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), alongside representatives of the DSS, NDLEA, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and senior officials of the centre.
Other activities during the visit included a meeting with staff of the centre, where the Director-General urged them to remain committed and professional in discharging their responsibilities.
He also inspected the ongoing construction of the North-East permanent site of the centre, paid a courtesy visit to the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, A. E. Abubakar, and assessed a proposed location for an armoury facility.
