From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The Director-General of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), DIG Johnson Kokumo (rtd), has expressed strong satisfaction over the outstanding performance of the South-South Zonal Office, particularly in intelligence gathering and arms recovery operations.
The commendation was delivered by the Centre’s Director of Policy and Plans, Major General Sani Suleiman, during a two-day working visit to the South-South Zonal Headquarters in Calabar, Cross River State.
Kokumo noted that the South-South Zone has distinguished itself as one of the most effective formations in intelligence-driven operations across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
He revealed that the zone has recorded the highest number of arms cache recoveries nationwide over the past three years, describing the achievement as a major contribution to national security.
“It is from this zone that we have recovered the largest number of arms cache in the last three years. The intelligence we receive here is among the most reliable and timely,” he said.
The Director-General further disclosed that the zone recently played a key role in the arrest of a long-sought suspect, an operation that earned the Centre national recognition.
According to him, the South-South Zone remains one of the most responsive across all geopolitical zones, consistently delivering timely and high-quality intelligence.
“The content, quality, and responsiveness from this zone have always been of a high standard,” he added.
Kokumo attributed the zone’s success to strong leadership, teamwork, and institutional cohesion, commending the Zonal Director for maintaining discipline and professionalism among personnel.
While acknowledging challenges such as funding constraints, infrastructure deficits, and staff welfare concerns, he assured that steps are being taken to address them.
He also disclosed plans to develop a permanent office complex for the zone, strengthen operational facilities including the zonal armoury, and gradually regularise contract staff to ensure continuity and institutional memory.
The Director-General added that ongoing reforms under the Office of the National Security Adviser would further enhance the Centre’s operational capacity and national reach.
He charged the South-South Zone to sustain its momentum and improve efficiency in tackling the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons.
Kokumo rated the zone’s overall performance as “very high,” noting that its contributions remain invaluable to the Centre’s headquarters in Abuja.
Earlier, the Zonal Director, Dr. Alex Ebimiebo, welcomed the Director-General to Calabar, describing the visit as a morale booster and a clear demonstration of leadership commitment.
He reaffirmed the zone’s dedication to the Centre’s mandate of preventing and controlling the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons through intelligence gathering and collaboration with other security agencies, despite operational challenges.