By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Niger State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) in its efforts to curb illicit arms proliferation.
Governor Umaru Bago gave the assurance on Tuesday when the Director-General and National Coordinator of the NCCSALW, DIG Johnson Babatunde Kokumo (Rtd.), led officials of the Centre on a courtesy visit to the Government House in Minna.
Bago, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, commended the collaboration between the state government and the Centre since the establishment of its North Central Zonal Office in Minna.
He said the fight against arms proliferation should not be left to the NCCSALW alone, assuring the Centre of the state government’s support and provision of necessary facilities.
The governor noted that Niger State faces security challenges, including banditry and other social vices that threaten the safety of residents.
He consequently directed the State Ministry of Lands to work out modalities for providing suitable land for the establishment of a permanent state office for the Centre.
Earlier, Kokumo commended Bago for his support for the Centre’s operations and objectives.
He particularly thanked the governor for facilitating the provision of land for the establishment of the NCCSALW’s North Central Zonal Office in Minna.
Kokumo said his visit was aimed at familiarising himself with the state and engaging stakeholders on ways to tackle the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.
He described illicit arms as a major driver of violent crimes, stressing that removing such weapons from unauthorised individuals and non-state actors would significantly reduce insecurity.
The NCCSALW boss acknowledged the challenges involved but said achieving a society free from illicit arms remained possible through sustained collaboration among stakeholders.
