By Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
The Director-General of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), Johnson Babatunde Kokumo, has intensified efforts to curb the spread of illicit weapons by convening a high-level stakeholders’ engagement in Maiduguri aimed at strengthening collaboration among security agencies and civil society actors in the North-East.
The strategic gathering, which culminated in a stakeholders’ dinner, brought together key players in the region’s security architecture, underscoring the Centre’s commitment to a coordinated approach in tackling the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.
Among those in attendance were the North-East Zonal Director of NCCSALW, Adamu Abubakar, senior officials of the Centre, representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, officials of the Borno State Government, and members of civil society organisations.
Speaking through the Director of Administration and Finance, MS Adamu, the Director-General stressed that the challenge of arms proliferation remains a collective responsibility requiring stronger partnerships among stakeholders.
He noted that no single institution possesses the capacity to effectively confront the threat in isolation, emphasizing the need for intelligence sharing, joint operations and sustained cooperation among security agencies and community-based organisations.
According to him, the Centre is committed to building a robust network of partners capable of addressing the security challenges associated with the circulation of illicit weapons across the region.
In his remarks, Major General Adamu Abubakar disclosed that the North-East Zonal Centre had already commenced the implementation of a multi-agency liaison framework designed to enhance operational synergy among relevant institutions.
He described the stakeholders’ engagement as a significant step toward institutionalising regular coordination mechanisms that would ensure continuous collaboration beyond the event.
Also speaking, Abdullahi Sabi Ishaq, Special Adviser on Security to Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening security and promoting peace across the state.
He maintained that sustainable development can only thrive in an atmosphere of security and stability.
Representing civil society organisations, Abubakar Suleiman highlighted the vital role community groups play in intelligence gathering, public awareness campaigns and early warning systems that help prevent the spread of illicit arms.
Similarly, Zannah Mustapha advocated greater involvement of youths, traditional rulers and grassroots institutions in efforts to combat the circulation of illegal weapons.
The event concluded with an interactive dinner session that provided security chiefs, government officials and civil society representatives the opportunity to strengthen relationships and exchange ideas on practical strategies for improving inter-agency cooperation.
DIG Kokumo assured participants that recommendations and observations generated from the engagement would be forwarded to the Office of the National Security Adviser for consideration, with a view to translating the discussions into concrete policy actions and operational outcomes.
