The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) North East Zonal Headquarters organized advocacy and sensitization lectures for National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) members Batch A Stream 1 deployed to Borno State on the fight against the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs). The active partnership, collaborative and strategic engagements with the Corp members were geared towards creating awareness on the dangers of proliferation of illicit SALWs in the North East Zone and the Country at large in other to combat the menace.
The event was attended by about 1,200 Corps members and also had representatives from NCCSALW Northeast Zonal Office, NYSC Officials and some Security Agencies. An understanding of the Concept of Illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and the Overview of Illicit SALW Proliferation in Nigeria was one of the major topics of the lectures; and participant were introduced to the various types of small arms and light weapons that could be found in communities and in the hands of individuals.
Factors responsible for Illicit Small Arms Proliferation in Nigeria such as local fabrication, thefts from government armories, smuggling, dishonest government-accredited importers were also discussed during the lectures. Implication of Illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons proliferation in Nigeria. The lectures highlighted the devastating effects of the proliferation of small arms and light weapons; including increased levels of violence, crime, and conflict. Participant were shown examples of how these weapons have been used to perpetrate acts of terrorism, insurgency, and organized crime. Amongst others.
The participants expressed their Appreciation for the opportunity to learn about the NCCSALW and SALWs impact. Many of the participants indicated that they would become advocates for the fight against the proliferation of illicit SALWs. Resolutions have been reached to create SALWs Community Development Service (CDS) Group for the NYSC members. This is a joint effort between the NYSC and NCCSALW Northeast Zonal Office; aimed at engaging the Corp members in various community service and awareness programs to address the Proliferation of illicit SALWs. This may include public education campaign, workshops, and events focused on security awareness and the dangers of illegal arms possession.
The sensitization lecture lasted an hour during which the Corps members demonstrated so much interest in the lectures and requested for more engagement.At the end of the lectures, the Corp members promised to be the Vanguards of change physically andon social media in the area of their primary assignment when posted and they promise to give their maximum support for the SALW CDS Group that will be establish from this Batch A.
