The Federal Government, through the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, has called on civil society organisations (CSOs) to take the lead in combating the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons in the North-East region.
The North-East Zonal Director of the centre, Major General Adamu Abubakar (retd), made the call on Wednesday during the inauguration of the new executive committee of the Network of Civil Society Organisations in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Abubakar, while congratulating the newly elected executives, stressed the urgent need for CSOs to intensify advocacy and public awareness campaigns on the dangers associated with the illicit spread of small arms and light weapons.
“The uncontrolled circulation of these weapons remains one of the major drivers of insecurity, violence, criminality, and communal conflicts in many parts of the country.
“Experience has shown that where illicit weapons are absent from the hands of non-state actors, communities enjoy greater peace, stability, and socio-economic development”, he said.
The zonal director said the centre remains committed to working closely with civil society organisations, community leaders and other stakeholders to address the menace of illicit arms proliferation across Nigeria.
He called on all and sundry to return to their communities and empower residents to become good citizens.
