The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons has announced the commencement of a coordinated operation to mop up illegal arms from unauthorised individuals across states in the South-West region.
The South-West Zonal Coordinator of the Centre, CP Alamutu Mustapha (retd), disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Ogun State Police Command on Thursday.
The visit was part of an ongoing directive from the Office of the National Security Adviser to dismantle illegal security outfits accused of extorting and harassing innocent citizens.
According to a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, the purpose of the visit was to strengthen synergy between the NCCSLA and the Nigeria Police Force in tackling the proliferation of illegal arms.
“The primary objective of the visit was to formally introduce the roles and core responsibilities of the NCCSLA to key security stakeholders, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, which remains the lead agency for internal security in the country,” the statement read.
During the meeting, CP Mustapha raised concerns about the growing threat posed by the widespread circulation of illicit weapons.
The statement read, “He emphasised the dangers posed by the proliferation of illicit arms in the hands of unauthorised individuals.
“He highlighted the urgent need to control and curb the circulation of such weapons, stating that the NCCSLA’s mission in the Southwest is to begin a coordinated mop-up of illegally held arms and ammunition.”
CP Mustapha also noted that the Centre operates across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with regional offices in Maiduguri, Kaduna, Enugu, Calabar, Minna, and Ogun State, aimed at ensuring comprehensive national coverage and operational effectiveness.
He further revealed that the agency’s renewed efforts are backed by an executive order signed by President Bola Tinubu to address the unchecked importation and spread of small arms and light weapons across the country.
“In his final address to the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, CP Alamutu Abiodun noted that the policies and strategies adopted by the NCCSLA are rooted in an Executive Order issued by the President,” the statement added.
The visit, according to the NCCSLA, marks a crucial step towards enhancing inter-agency collaboration in pursuit of a safer and more secure Nigeria.
