FG Tasks CSOs to Lead Fight Against Illicit Arms in Northeast

By Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu

The Federal Government of Nigeria has called on Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to take the lead in combating the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons in the Northeast region of the country.

Major General Adamu Abubakar (retd), the North East Zonal Director of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), made the appeal on Wednesday during the inauguration of the new executive committee of the Network of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Maiduguri, Borno State.

In his address, Major General Abubakar congratulated the newly elected executives on the confidence reposed in them by members of the reputable network.

He stressed the urgent need for civil society organizations to intensify advocacy and public awareness campaigns regarding the dangers associated with the illicit spread of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW).

“The uncontrolled circulation of these weapons remains one of the major drivers of insecurity, violence,criminality, and communal conflicts in many parts of the country.

“Experience has shown that where illicit weapons are absent from the hands of non-state actors, communities enjoy greater peace, stability, and socio-economic development. It is therefore important that organizations such as yours integrate arms control advocacy, community sensitization, and conflict prevention initiatives into your programmes and activities.

“In this regard, the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) remains committed to working closely with civil society organizations, community leaders, and other stakeholders to address the menace of illicit arms proliferation across Nigeria,” Major General Abubakar revealed.

He called on every one to go back to his community and ensure to empower his community members and support them to be a good citizens

In response, the newly inaugurated Chairman of the Network of Civil Society Organizations, Borno State chapter, Mallam Abubakar, assured members that they would all be carried along in the group’s activities.

He also pledged to champion the fight against the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the Northeast region.