The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), under the Office of the National Security Adviser, is intensifying its campaign against the spread of illicit firearms across Nigeria. The agency is bolstering cooperation with various partners to achieve this goal.
In a recent move, NCCSALW Director-General Johnson Kokumo conducted a three-day working trip to Maiduguri, Borno State. The visit aimed to reinforce alliances and push forward strategies to curb the proliferation of small arms in the North-East region.
During a dinner and stakeholder engagement attended by officials from the Borno State Government and security bodies, Kokumo emphasized that closer collaboration among key institutions would substantially cut down the movement of illegal weapons, thereby enhancing national security. He was represented at the event by the Director of Administration and Finance, Brig.-Gen. M. S. Adamu.
Kokumo highlighted that the centre is working hand-in-hand with security agencies and other stakeholders to reclaim illicit arms for destruction. He added that the Federal Government has authorized the centre to prosecute those involved in illegal arms dealing, calling for sustained support and teamwork.
The NCCSALW was created by a 2024 Act of the National Assembly to tackle the proliferation, trafficking, unlawful possession, and misuse of small arms and light weapons. The North-East Zonal Centre, based in Maiduguri, covers Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe states.
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, through his Special Adviser on Security, Brig.-Gen. Ishak, praised the centre’s work in fighting illegal arms and pledged ongoing state backing for its mission.
The North-East Zonal Director, Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Adamu (retd), restated the centre’s dedication to strong partnerships for proper control, accountability, and lawful handling of recovered weapons.
Attendees included the Chairman of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisation Network in Borno State, Barrister Zana Mustapha, the Borno State NYSC Coordinator, and representatives from the DSS, NDLEA, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, along with senior NCCSALW officials.
During the visit, Kokumo also met with centre staff, urging professionalism and dedication. He inspected the ongoing construction of the North-East permanent site, paid a courtesy call on the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, Maj.-Gen. A. E. Abubakar, and examined a proposed site for an armoury.