Nigeria’s National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCC SALE), the agency established to tackle illegal arms and light weapons flow in the country, is partnering with the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) towards meeting its mandate.
During a courtesy visit to the heads of the agencies, National Coordinator, NCCSAWL, Major General Abba Dikko (rtd), explained that the aim of the visits was to build a relationship with the organisations and to leverage on the unique capabilities of the agencies to achieve the common aim.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig-Gen.Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd) acknowledged the National Coordinator for the noble gesture and 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 said that the National Coordinator should not relent on his effort in delivering the mandates of the Centre. He pledged 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 noted the Government’s efforts to decongest the seaports and how 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.
The Controller General of NCoS,Haliru Nababa, noted that effective control of arms and reduction of its excessive availability in the country is a prerequisite 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. Sadly, the Controller of Nigerian Correctional Service noted
The Comptroller of Immigration (CGI), Mohammed 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.