The Coordinator, National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) DCP Johnson Babatunde Kokumo retired has appreciated the the Nigerian Army for its assistance to the centre in the area of collaborations to rid the society of illicit arms and light weapons.
DCP Kokumo while soliciting for further support and collaborations, emphasized that the NCCSALW recognises how essential it is for the centre to continue to collaborate with the arms bearing agencies of the government.
DCP Kokumo was speaking on Tuesday 11 June 2024 when he and members of his team paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja at the Army Headquarters Abuja, the Nation's Capital.
He said they were in the Army Headquarters to register the centre's profound gratitude for the cordial relationship and support, as well as to appreciate the efforts of the Nigerian Army in this regard.
He equally expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army for the provision of its storage facilities for the storage of recovered illicit arms, while soliciting for more personnel from the Nigerian Army to boost the functionality of the centre.
"I appreciate the guality of personnel made available to take off the operations of the centre by the Nigerian Army, I also acknowledge a great work done by my predicessor, Major General Abba Dikko retired, who has pioneered and facilitated the bill on Small Arms to the National Assembly" the coordinator stated.
He highlighted some challenges faced by the centre to include criminal elements running illegitimate outfits and disquising as agency for controlling illegal arms.
Responding, the Chief of Army Staff, (COAS) Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja assured the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons that Nigerian Army personnel have been directed to dismantle any illegal checkpoints and checkmate activities by illegal agencies claiming to control illicit arms.
He stressed that the Nigerian Army recognises the centre as the only government approved and recognise agency charged with the responsibility of tackling illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons, while Field Commanders have been sensitised not to recieve anyone outside of the body.
The COAS further assured the centre that it has a dependable ally in the Nigerian Army as he Pledges the availability of the personal across the country to assist them in areas needed.
"The Nigerian Army has identified the availability of the illicit arms as drivers of the insecurity in the country and it looks to see how we can work with other security agencies to see that such illegal organisations and activities especially those in possessions of illegal arms are brought to its knees"
"The personnel are available in the field to continue to assist in ridding the country of small arms and light weapons" stated the Army Chief.
General Lagbaja highlighted some of the armoury spaces provided by the Nigerian Army for the storage of the recovered illicit arms and assured the centre that the Nigerian Army will put in place stringent majors to ensure that recovered arms and legally acquired ones do not find their way into wrong hands.
Speaking on the challenges tabled by the National Coordinator, the COAS assured him that the challenges expressed will be looked into for solutions to be provided.
He congratulated the new coordinator of the centre and wished him well in combating the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, while apreciating the people who have worked tirelessly from the inception to bring the centre to what it is today.
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