The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) has said it remains the only government body saddled with the responsibility to checkmate the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons in Nigeria.
In a statement, the coordinator of the South West zone of the centre, Mr. Ben Sola Akinlade said the centre observed that unauthorised outfits have sprung up deceitfully, presenting themselves as the local organisation for the control of illicit small arms and light weapons, creating false impressions of legitimacy and authority.
He urged Nigerians to disregard them and report agents of such unauthorised organisations to security agencies or the centre.
According to him: “The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons was established on 3rd May 2021, by an executive directive by the former President of Nigeria, retired Major General Muhammadu Buhari, in line with Article 24 of ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons.
“The decision is sequel to the current state of insecurity and wanton destruction of lives and property occasioned by the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons. The target of the centre is to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to check incessant access to small weapons by unauthorised persons towards strengthening peace and security in Nigeria.”
Akinlade appealed to Nigerians to eschew the illicit circulation of arms and allow the efforts of government to curb the insecurity created by the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria to achieve its goals.
He said the country needed a weapons-free society for development and the socio-political well-being of its citizens to thrive.
Acknowledging the overwhelming challenges posed by the proliferation of arms and weapons in Nigeria, Akinlade noted that any infringement on the duties of the centre would attract legal sanctions.
