NCCSALW Consolidates its Collaboration with the Military and Security Agencies
In the corridors of power, where national security decisions are made, unity of vision and action is not just a catchphrase—it’s a necessity. This essential truth became evident as the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) embarked on a series of courtesy visits to Nigeria’s top military and security leaders. Led by its indefatigable National Coordinator, Major General Abba Mohammed Dikko (rtd), the Centre’s delegation crisscrossed the offices of the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Comptroller-General of Customs, the Chief of Air Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff, and the Inspector-General of Police. Each visit, aimed at strengthening inter-agency collaborations, sent ripples across the national security landscape.
On a warm morning of 8th August 2023, the Centre made its first stop at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja. Major General Dikko extended hearty congratulations to General Christopher Musa, the Chief of
Defence Staff, on his recent appointment. The meeting dwelled on matters of grave importance—national security and the eradication of illicit arms. The enthusiasm of General Musa was palpable as he assured Major General Dikko of the Defence Headquarters’ commitment to the Centre’s initiatives. Their partnership was sealed with a ceremonial exchange of mementos and group photographs.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, exchanging mementos with the National Coordinator NCCSALW, Major General AM Dikko (rtd) during the visit
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and global initiatives. His host, Lieutenant General Lagbaja, expressed keen interest, especially in the Centre’s willingness to collaborate with the Military Police forensic lab for tracking and tracing illicit arms.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Taoreed Lagbaja, in a warm handshake with the National Coordinator NCCSALW, Major General AM Dikko (rtd) during the visit
Fast forward to 5th September 2023, Major General Dikko and his team were welcomed by Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller-General of Customs. The meeting, held at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja, revolved around enhancing effectiveness in controlling the influx of illicit arms. The Comptroller-General proposed joint operations and emphasized the importance of regular intelligence sharing. He also spoke of the challenges posed by deceptive entities posing as official bodies charged with controlling small arms, assuring the Centre of his
resolve to identify and apprehend such fraudulent actors.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, in a hearty laughter with the National Coordinator NCCSALW, Major General AM Dikko (rtd) during the visit
Two days later, on 7th September, the Centre’s delegation met with Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, the Chief of Air Staff. The meeting was another notch in the Centre’s belt of inter-agency collaborations. The focus was on the Nigerian Air Force’s role in assisting the Centre, especially in transportation, storage, and security of seized weapons. Air Marshal Abubakar commended the Centre for establishing a comprehensive database for legitimate and illegitimate arms, pledging NAF’s continued support to the Centre.
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The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, in a cordial pose with with the National Coordinator NCCSALW, Major General AM Dikko (rtd) during the visit
On 14th September, Major General Dikko, flanked by some members of his management team, was in the office of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla AM, the Chief of Naval Staff. After congratulations were extended, discussions quickly turned to the Centre’s role in curbing the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, especially via maritime zones. Vice Admiral Ogalla pledged comprehensive support—from manpower to intelligence. He didn’t shy away from denouncing fraudulent entities and mooted legislative backing for the Centre.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, warmly smiles at his guest, the National Coordinator NCCSALW, Major General AM Dikko (rtd), as he presents him with a memorabilia after the visit
Rounding off this series of impactful visits, the Centre’s delegation found itself in the office of Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police, on 17th September. The IGP’s response was a resonating affirmation of collaboration as he shared news of a recent recovery of an arms cache destined for the Centre. The visit solidified a shared mission to champion an illicit arms-free society, marking an indelible chapter in the continued collaboration between the NCCSALW and the Nigerian Police Force.
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The National Coordinator NCCSALW, Major General AM Dikko (rtd), presents the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, with the Centre’s Core Functions Pamphlet after the visit
As Major General Dikko navigated these high-profile engagements, one thing became abundantly clear: the Centre’s mission resonates strongly across all branches of Nigeria’s security infrastructure. These visits were not mere ceremonial formalities; they were tangible strides towards a safer, more secure Nigeria. In the end, these engagements may well be remembered as a watershed moment, a harmonizing of varied notes into a symphony of concerted action against the proliferation of illicit arms. And so, the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons remains at the epicenter, orchestrating what could be Nigeria’s most coordinated assault against the roots of insecurity.
