Arms Control Centre Frowns On Flow Of Weapons Through Land Borders

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The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light
Weapons (NCCSALW) has frowned on the free flow of both arms and
light weapons into the country through land borders and
maritime.

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 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.