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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Conflict & Security

Nigeria trains weapons experts to curb diversion and bolster security

From ThisDay · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Nigeria is training a new group of weapons experts to enhance security and prevent the diversion and misuse of arms.
  • The training program focuses on physical security and stockpile management for personnel from 15 security agencies.
  • This initiative aims to safeguard national security assets and reduce vulnerabilities, with international partners providing support.

Nigeria is bolstering its security framework by developing a new cadre of specialists skilled in preventing the theft, diversion, and misuse of weapons and ammunition. Retired DIG Johnson Kokumo, Director-General of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), announced that the training equips personnel from 15 arms-bearing security agencies with critical skills.

In today’s complex and evolving security environment, the importance of effective physical security and stockpile management cannot be overstated.

— Johnson KokumoHighlighting the critical need for secure weapons and ammunition management.

The Capacity Development Programme on Physical Security and Stockpile Management (PSSM) has graduated its second batch of participants, bringing the total trained to 90. Kokumo emphasized the program's significance in addressing global threats like theft, diversion, accidental explosions, and poor stockpile practices, which endanger national security and public safety.

Around the world, incidents involving theft, diversion, loss of authorised assets, accidental explosions and poor stockpile practices continue to pose significant threats to national security, public safety and socio-economic development.

— Johnson KokumoDescribing the global threats related to weapons mismanagement.

Graduates have gained competencies in risk assessment, inventory control, accountability, storage safety, surveillance, emergency response, and stockpile destruction, all adhering to international standards. Kokumo urged the graduates to apply their knowledge and serve as ambassadors for best practices. He also acknowledged the support of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, The HALO Trust, and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, highlighting inter-agency collaboration as vital for tackling security challenges.

The knowledge you have acquired must be translated into action. You are now ambassadors of best practices in Physical Security and Stockpile Management. Your organisations and communities will look to you for leadership, guidance and innovation in improving safety, accountability and operational effectiveness.

— Johnson KokumoUrging graduates to apply their training and lead by example.
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Originally published by ThisDay in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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