NCCSALW, NCoS DEEPEN COLLABORATION ON ARMS CONTROL AND SECURITY

On Tuesday, 11 March 2025, the Director-General (DG), National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), DIG Johnson Babatunde Kokumo (Rtd) mni, paid a courtesy visit to the Acting Controller-General (CG) of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Nwakuche MFR, mni, at the NCoS Headquarters, Abuja, to enhance synergy in arms control and security operations.

The DG stated that the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons fuels criminal activities and restated the National Centre’s mandate as the national authority for arms control. He emphasized the obligation of all arms-bearing agencies, including the NCoS, to submit decommissioned, obsolete, and seized weapons to the Centre for proper action.

The CG acknowledged the importance of inter-agency collaboration and expressed interest in learning from the Centre’s expertise in armoury stockpiling and management. He invited the NCCSALW to inspect NCoS weapons, noting that many were outdated, and assured that those deemed unfit for use would be handed over to the Centre immediately.

Furthermore, the CG appealed for support in securing modern and sufficient weapons to enable the NCoS to defend its facilities against attacks from criminal elements and inmate sympathisers attempting prison breaks. He urged the DG to advocate for enhanced arms and ammunition support through the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration in weapon marking and tracing, personnel training, intelligence sharing, and proper stockpile management, ensuring a more effective national security framework.

ABOUT NCCSALW:The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) is dedicated to the control and prevention of the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria. The Centre collaborates with various national and international agencies to enhance peace, security, and stability.