TheCable

The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) says it will work with the Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to tackle the proliferation of weapons in the country.

Abba Dikko, national coordinator of NCCSAWL, stated this when he paid separate courtesy visits to the leaders of the agencies.

According to a statement issued on Friday by Ewejide Akintunde, director of strategic communication and information, NCCSALW, the coordinator said the focus will address the movement of illegal arms through land and sea borders.

Dikko also visited the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), noting that the NCCSALW intends to work in line with its mandate to adequately address illegal arms proliferations, as part of efforts to address insecurity.

Speaking when the NCCSALW coordinator visited the NDLEA, Buba Marwa, chairman of the agency, urged the arms control centre not to relent in its efforts.

He also assured Dikko of the NDLEA’s support where necessary.

On his part, Awwal Gambo, chief of naval staff, commended the federal government for the establishment of the NCCSALW, adding that such collaboration will also boost the navy’s efforts to decongest seaports, and tackle illegal arms trade.

“The navy has intensified its anti-piracy operations and it is beginning to yield good results in its efforts,” Gambo said.

In his remarks, Haliru Nababa, controller-general of the NCoS, who expressed concern over the attacks on prisons across the country, said his agency will work with the NCCSALW to ensure that officers are strictly monitored to prevent pilfering of arms.

While noting that at least 27 attacks have been targeted at correctional centres said “the NCoS have continued to maintain strict monitoring and supervision of personnel to discourage carelessness in the handling of weapons and to avoid pilferage”.

He added that there would also be regular inspection of armouries to ensure that proper records are kept.

Speaking when Dikko visited the NIS, Mohammed Babandede, comptroller-general of immigration, pledged the commitment of officers to adopting new approaches to prevent the influx of arms into the country.

See photos of the NCCSALW’s visit to the agencies below.