The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), has sought partnership with the Ekiti State Judiciary to curb the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria.
Mr. Williams Olabisi, Assistant Director of Operations at NCCSALW, led a delegation to meet with Ekiti State Acting Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Lekan Ogunmoye. Olabisi appreciated the Chief Judge’s warm reception and highlighted the Centre’s creation in accordance with ECOWAS and United Nations conventions.
Olabisi noted that Nigeria was late in establishing the Centre compared to other West African countries, with its creation in 2021 under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration and final signing into law by the present administration.
He emphasized the prevalence of illegal arms and ammunition in Nigeria, particularly those looted during the End-SARS protests, which have not been fully recovered despite efforts by security agencies. Olabisi appreciated the Nigerian Customs Service for handing over 800 recovered arms to the Centre.
The Centre plans to change the numbering mode of imported firearms and gather data on ammunition with security agencies for easy identification from illegal handlers.
Olabisi informed the Chief Judge that the Centre has conducted advocacy visits to various groups, including motor parks, palaces, drivers’ unions, students, and NYSC members, to sensitize them on illegal firearm possession.
He further informed the Chief Judge that one of the objectives of the Centre is to profile ammunition in circulation in the country and destroy the illicit ones, adding that if the proliferation of small arms and weapons is stopped, there would be a drastic reduction in crime rates in Nigeria.
Olabisi solicited the judiciary’s assistance and cooperation, especially in the area of post-judgment management on small arms and light weapons, as a seminar to that effect has been organized to hold very soon.
In his response, the Acting Chief Judge appreciated the team for their visit, saying the need for the creation of the Centre in any country cannot be overemphasized. He added that if arms, ammunition, and weapons can be effectively controlled, issues of kidnapping, banditry, cultism, and armed robbery can be reduced to the barest minimum.
Justice Ogunmoye pledged the judiciary’s willingness and readiness to support and cooperate with the Centre anytime the need arises, as this will ensure the safety of lives and properties of the entire citizenry.
Other members of the delegation included ACP Ibrahim Akinniyi, Major Alaba Adeyera (Rtd), and Mrs. Ibironke Odetola, among others.