Niger Government Pledges Stronger Support to Curb Small Arms Proliferation
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Musa Abdulmalik Yari
MINNA, NIGER STATE — The Niger State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) in its efforts to curb the proliferation of illicit firearms and other weapons across the country.
The state government made the commitment on Tuesday when the Director-General and National Coordinator of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, DIG Johnson Babatunde Kokumo (Rtd.), led principal officials of the agency on a courtesy visit to the Niger State Government House in Minna.
The delegation included the North Central Zonal Director of the Centre, DDG Abdul Adamu Eneche.
Receiving the delegation on behalf of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, commended the Centre for its collaboration with the state government since the establishment of its North Central Zonal Office in Minna.
Usman said the state government remained committed to strengthening the partnership and would provide the necessary support to enable the Centre effectively discharge its responsibilities.
He noted that Niger State was confronted with security challenges, including banditry and other forms of criminality and social vices capable of threatening the safety and stability of communities.
According to him, tackling arms proliferation requires collective action and cannot be left solely to the National Centre.
The state government also directed the Ministry of Lands to work out modalities for providing suitable land for the establishment of a permanent state office of the National Centre.
Governor Bago's administration, the SSG said, would continue to cooperate with relevant federal agencies in addressing security challenges and promoting peace across the state.
Earlier, DIG Kokumo commended Governor Bago for what he described as his tremendous support for the activities of the National Centre.
He particularly acknowledged the governor's contribution towards the provision of land that facilitated the establishment of the Centre's North Central Zonal Office in Minna.
The Director-General explained that his visit was aimed at strengthening the Centre's relationship with the Niger State Government and familiarising himself with key stakeholders involved in efforts to combat the proliferation of illicit arms.
Kokumo described the proliferation of small arms and light weapons as a major driver of violent crimes in Nigeria, stressing that criminal activities would be significantly reduced if illicit weapons were kept away from unauthorised individuals and non-state actors.
He said the Centre was working with relevant stakeholders across the country to stem the circulation of illegal firearms and ensure that weapons did not fall into the hands of individuals and groups capable of using them to undermine public safety.
The NCCSALW boss acknowledged the progress recorded by the Centre since its establishment, while admitting that the task of eliminating illicit arms from society remained challenging.
Despite the difficulties, he expressed optimism that achieving an arms-free society was possible through sustained collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, communities and other stakeholders.
Kokumo's visit further highlighted the importance of closer cooperation between the federal agency and state governments in tackling the illicit circulation of firearms, particularly in areas facing persistent security challenges.
The Niger State Government's pledge to provide additional support and facilitate the establishment of a state office is expected to further strengthen the Centre's operations and coordination of efforts against arms proliferation in the state.
