The federal government Wednesday called for stronger collaboration among civil society organisations (CSOs), the armed forces, other security agencies and citizens to curb the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons across the country.
The federal government added that only a coordinated national response can effectively address Nigeria’s growing security challenges.
The call was made on Tuesday at a one-day seminar organised by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), South East Zonal Office, Enugu, with the theme, “Curbing the Proliferation of Arms in a Challenging Security Environment,” held at the 82 Division Officers’ Mess, Enugu.
Addressing participants at the seminar, the Centre stressed that the fight against illicit arms proliferation requires collective action, noting that security agencies, CSOs, the media and citizens all have vital roles to play.
”Our mission is to strengthen national security and public safety by coordinating efforts at all levels in collaboration with stakeholders to prevent and combat the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons in Nigeria,” the centre stated.
The Centre maintained that no security agency could tackle the menace alone, urging stakeholders to embrace partnership and information sharing.
”The rest of the task is for all of us present to respond to the clarion call to partner and collaborate to achieve a safe society.”
The federal government also called on the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, intelligence agencies and other arms-bearing organisations to deepen inter-agency cooperation by promptly sharing information on recovered and seized weapons in line with the provisions of the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Act, 2024.
The centre said collaboration among security institutions is complementary rather than competitive.