The Federal Government has called on Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to take urgent action against the widespread proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the Northeast region, which comprises six states in Nigeria. According to the government, the continuous spread of these weapons is fueling terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping across the northern part of the country.
NCCSALW Director Issues Call to Action
The Northeast Zonal Director of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), Major General Adamu Abubakar (retired), made the appeal while inaugurating the Executive Committee of the Network of Civil Society Organizations in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State. He congratulated the newly elected executives and emphasized the confidence placed in them to lead the fight against the illicit spread of weapons.
Urgent Need for Advocacy and Awareness
Abubakar highlighted the critical need for CSOs to intensify advocacy and public awareness campaigns about the grave dangers associated with the illicit spread of small arms and light weapons into communities across 19 northern states, including Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe. He stated, "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."
He further noted that experience has shown that communities where illegal possession of weapons is tackled enjoy greater peace, stability, and socio-economic growth. Therefore, it is important for organizations to effectively integrate arms control advocacy, community sensitization, and conflict prevention initiatives into their programs and activities.
Commitment to Collaboration
The NCCSALW remains committed to working closely with CSOs, community leaders, and other stakeholders to address the menace of illicit arms proliferation across Nigeria. Abubakar urged all members to return to their communities and empower residents to become responsible citizens.
CSO Chairman Pledges Support
In response, the newly inaugurated Chairman of the Borno State chapter of the Network of Civil Society Organizations, Mallam Abubakar, assured members that they would all be carried along in the network's activities in the Northeast. He pledged to champion the fight against the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the region.
