The Federal Government has ordered a clampdown on local fabricators of arms and weapons in a bid to tackle the spread of illegal arms and ammunition in the country.
Speaking in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, Mr. Sola Akinlade, the South West Zonal Coordinator of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), disclosed the urgent measures that have been put in place.
Akinlade underscored the necessity of these actions due to the alarming proliferation of small arms and weapons, which pose a significant threat to our nation’s security.
Akinlade emphasized that the unrestricted access to arms has been a major catalyst for kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism, attributing the current state of insecurity to the uncontrollable movement of weapons.
He further cautioned Nigerians against the possession of unauthorized arms and light weapons, highlighting that individuals caught in violation of this directive will face severe consequences, irrespective of their social status.
Akinlade stated, “The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) has noticed the increased activities of unauthorized organizations taking over its responsibilities of controlling illicit arms in circulation among criminal elements.
“It has been observed recently that some unscrupulous and unauthorized outfits have emerged, deceitfully presenting themselves as the focal organizations for the control of illicit small arms and light weapons, creating false impressions of the legitimacy and authority of the National Centre.
“The action of these unauthorized bodies has the propensity to further compound the already complex task of small arms and light weapons control and may potentially result in confusion and a lack of credibility leading to administrative and legal disputes, which may hinder the Centre from effectively carrying out its mandate.
Akinlade concluded by reiterating that the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons was established by Former President Muhammadu Buhari on May 3, 2021, under the office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
This agency, with personnel drawn from the Nigeria Army, Navy, Air Force, Nigeria Police, Department of State Services, and other security agencies, remains the sole entity entrusted with preventing and controlling the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons.
Its overarching goal is to collaborate with stakeholders in strengthening peace and security across Nigeria.