Proliferation of small arms devastates Nigeria – Gen Obot

The proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria has had devastating effects on the country.

This was the submission of the South-South Zonal Coordinator of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), Major General Ifiok Obot (retd) during his interaction with journalists in Cross River State.

Obot said the centre is determined to fight against the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the country, the reason he was soliciting the support of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, noting that the responsibility of eradicating the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria is possible through stakeholders collaboration.

He said: “The establishment of this Centre on 3rd May 2021 by President Muhammadu Buhari, in line with Article 24 of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons, could not have come at a better time.

“In pursuing our objectives, we realize that there is no way we can operate alone, being that the focus of our operation is intelligence and advocacy. There is no way we can achieve meaningful results without the cooperation and support of the media. We, therefore, solicit your support and collaboration as we pursue this very important assignment.”

Welcoming the team, Comrade Nsa Gill commended them for their determination to contain the flow of illicit arms in the country which has given rise to heightened insecurity.

He assured that NUJ will extend cooperation and supports to enable them to succeed.

“We are not unaware of the devastating effect of the illicit movement of arms and other weapons in our country. Day by day, we are hit by security incidents.

A security threat to one is a threat to all of us. As journalists, we are trained to promote national security and interest. We will partner with you in nipping in the bud this nefarious security concern,” the NUJ leader stated