In continuation with the NCCSALW North Central Zonal Sensitisation and Advocacy programme in Benue State, the Zonal Coordinator Major General H.I Bature (Rtd) and his management team visited the Governor of Benue State Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia on 26 February 2024. The visit was aimed at bolstering awareness of the Centre and propagating understanding and collaboration between the Centre and the State Government on developing strategies to curb the proliferation of illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in Benue State. The visit was successful as the Governor pledged his full support and collaboration. He responded positively to the tendered prayers of the Centre to develop stringent legislations against illegal possession, stockpiling and use of illicit SALW in the State.
Also, the Zonal Coordinator Major General H.I Bature (Rtd) and his team took the sensitisation and advocacy drive to some military formations in Makurdi where the Zonal Coordinator sought synergy in the effort to curb the menace of illicit SALW in Benue State. The military formations visited are the Makurdi, Op WHIRL STROKE, 401 Special Forces Brigade and the Tactical Air Command.
The Commanders in their separate responses pledged their support and collaboration with the Centre.
In a similar vein, on 27 February 2024, the Zonal Coordinator and the team visited the State Director Security of the Departmentof State Security (DSS) Benue State. During the meeting, the Zonal Coordinator highlighted the activities of the Centre and the negative impact of SALWs on security and development in Benue State. The Director expressed his concerns and assured the team of his commitment to collaborate with the Centre at combating the trafficking of illicit firearms in the state.
Also, to amplify the mandate of the Centre and propagate the Strategic Message of the Centre to the populace on the dangers of unauthorised possession of illicit SALW, the team visited the Benue Radio Corporation to engage with the Director General Radio Benue Makurdi Terser James Mnzuulgha and sought for his support and collaboration. The Director pledged his full support and suggested a Radio Program was conducted to educate the public on the dangers of the proliferation of SALW and the importance of community involvement in disarmament and peacebuilding efforts.
Relatedly the Zonal Coordinator and his team visited the Commandant Nigeria Army School of Military Engineering (NASME) Major General AG Audu as a strategic approach to propagate the activities of the Centre to the students to take to their various units.
