FG, NYSC partner to curb proliferation of illicit arms

The Federal Government, via the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), has initiated a partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to address insecurity and the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons across Nigeria. This collaboration aims to leverage the reach of corps members to foster an arms-free society.

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The active involvement of the youth, especially corps members, will significantly help in tackling insecurity and the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons.

Maj. Gen. Abubakar Adamu (retd.), the Northeast Zonal Director of the NCCSALW, highlighted that corps members can significantly contribute to advocating against illicit arms at their places of primary assignment. He noted that similar collaborations in Borno and Yobe states have already shown positive results. Adamu urged corps members throughout the North-East to actively engage in efforts to curb the spread of these weapons, emphasizing that youth involvement is crucial for tackling insecurity.

The NCCSALW, established in 2021 under the Office of the National Security Adviser, serves as the institutional framework for regulating and controlling small arms and light weapons in Nigeria. Through the NCCSALW's Community Development Service, corps members in Borno and Yobe have been involved in sensitizing their communities. Adamu stressed the importance of educating corps members on the dangers of illicit arms proliferation, as these weapons fuel banditry, kidnapping, cultism, political thuggery, insurgency, and other criminal activities.

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The NCCSALW, established in 2021 under the Office of the National Security Adviser, serves as the institutional framework for regulating and controlling small arms and light weapons in Nigeria.

Adamu further explained that the proliferation of small arms and light weapons not only hinders national development and encourages black markets for arms but also exposes young people to violence and heightens trans-border insecurity. He called on parents and guardians to take responsibility for child upbringing and educate children on tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and the dangers of violence. NYSC coordinators in the North-East were also urged to establish NCCSALW Community Development Service groups, similar to the existing one in Borno State.

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Small arms and light weapons create fear in the minds of the people and contribute to many other vices in society.