The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) says it has recovered more than 22,000 pieces of arms across the country in its efforts to tackle insecurity.
Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Adamu (rtd), the North-East Zonal Director of the NCCSALW, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), disclosed this while paying a courtesy visit to Maj.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose, the Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Wednesday.
According to him, the illicit circulation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) remained a significant national security concern, driven by cross-border trafficking, diversion from authorised stockpiles, local firearms production and access to weapons by criminal and violent extremist groups.
He said the recoveries were made from 2015 to date.
Maj.-Gen. Adamu (rtd) further explained that, in collaboration with relevant security and law enforcement agencies, the Centre continued to support the recovery, documentation, tracing and destruction of illicit, obsolete and unserviceable arms, ammunition and explosives.
“The Centre continues to implement its mandate through law enforcement support, inter-agency coordination, capacity building, stockpile management, arms recovery and destruction, community engagement and public sensitisation.
“The Centre supports the arrest, investigation and prosecution of persons involved in illicit SALW offences, including cases involving the importation of 844 firearms and 112,500 cartridges, 55 Jojef Magnum shotguns, and unlawful arms possession and sale.
“There have been several illicit arms recoveries by the Nigerian Customs Service handed over to the NCCSALW. Other arms-bearing agencies of the government have also made recoveries and handed them over to the Centre,” he said.
The Zonal Director also condoled with the Theatre Commander over the recent Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in which some personnel lost their lives.
Responding, the Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, appreciated the Centre and the Zonal Director and directed his Chief of Staff to appoint a desk officer who would be in constant liaison with the Zonal Centre for effective delivery.