The Anambra State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has sought an improved collaboration with the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) to mitigate the use of prohibited weapons in the state.
This development came as a result of a courtesy visit by the South East Zonal Director of the Centre, Major Gen. Okechukwu Ugo (rtd), who led a delegation to the Command’s headquarters in Awka on Wednesday, March 26.
Superintendent of Corps, SC Okadigbo Edwin, the Head, Media and Tactical Operations of the Command made this known in a statement.
Speaking during the engagement, the State Commandant of NSCDC, Maku Olatunde declared the Corps’ support for NCCSALW, noting that it is part of the assignment placed before it by the Federal Government (FG) to prevent and control the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in partnership with relevant stakeholders.
Commandant Olatunde expressed concerns over the proliferation of light weapons among non-state actors, stressing that it is a key factor in the surge of violent crimes.
He commended the centre’s efforts in tracking, monitoring, and controlling illicit arms, acknowledging its positive impact.
Olatunde also assured that the security agency “will continue to collaborate with the centre to eliminate illicit weapons, ensuring the safety and security of citizens and their properties.”
Responding, Major General Ugo affirmed that he visited the Command to interact with the State Commandant and his lieutenants with a view to solicit for collaboration, cooperation and a harmonious working relationship.
He also noted his presence at the security agency was aimed at getting the support of the Command to enable the Zonal Office achieve its set objectives.
“We are here to seek possible ways to collaborate with the NSCDC in mitigating the troublesome menace of proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the country. When operations are conducted, it is the duty of the center to mop up arms recovered and make them inoperable,” the director remarked.
He added: “Part of our mission is to initiate a sort of an interaction, to see how best the NSCDC can collaborate with us to sustain the tempo in mopping up light arms and other weapons in circulation for peaceful coexistence amongst the people in the country.”
