The  National Centre for Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) has solicited the support of the Nigerian Army in tackling the menace of illicit arms proliferation in the country.

The centre’s national coordinator, retired DIG Johnson Kokumo, made the call when he led his management team on a courtesy visit to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja on Tuesday in Abuja.

Mr Kokumo also called on the Nigerian Army to help the centre apprehend the criminals who had been parading themselves and usurping the functions of NCCSALW in different parts of the country.

He said a leader of one of such illegal bodies known as NatCom had been apprehended and remanded in the Kuje Correctional Centre for undertaking illegal activities.

Mr Kokumo also called on the army high command to make quality personnel available to ensure that key positions at the centre were adequately manned.

“We need the support of the army, particularly in tackling activities of some illegal outfits claiming to be fighting the proliferation of illicit arms in the country.

“The centre has been privileged to have some competent army officers serving in different capacities, and we are requesting more of such hands,” he said.

Mr Kokumo appreciated the Nigerian Army for making its facilities available for the centre to serve as its storage facilities across the country, adding that the army had assisted NCCSALW in being effective since its establishment.

Responding, the Chief of Army Staff commended the centre for its efforts in combating the illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the country.

Mr Lagbaja assured the centre of the army’s commitment to partnering and supporting their efforts towards achieving the objective of ridding the nation of illicit arms, adding that illegal arms were major drivers of violent extremism.

He promised to support the centre and ensure that army formations were available for NCCSALW’s effective functioning.

According to him, the army will continue to implement measures to ensure that weapons in the possession of army personnel don’t fall into the wrong hands.

The COAS said the Nigerian Army only recognised NCCSALW as the only legal body charged with such responsibility.

He added that army troops had been directed to dismantle all illegal checkpoints set up by the unlawful bodies wherever they exist.

(NAN)