Gwamcee News
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) estimated that about 70 percent of the 500 million small and light weapons in West Africa are in Nigeria.
This has left citizens to live in fear and an underdeveloped economy.
Proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) occur when firearms, ammunition, explosive and other related materials are transferred from or across the territory of one state party to another state party.
Nigeria’s security agencies are being blamed for not doing enough to block the country’s borders against the proliferation of light weapons.
At the National Association of Online Security News Publishers Conference (NAONSP) held on September 21 at the Civic Center in Victoria Island, Lagos, security experts and stakeholders discuss issues surrounding proliferation of small arms and light weapons and proffer solutions.
They submitted that security in Nigeria is everyone’s business as such, should not be left for them to tackle alone. They called for collective collaborations with everyone in Nigeria joining hands to fight the menace.
Police Service Commission boss, Dr. Solomon Arase, represented by AIG Ade Shinaba (retd), said it is essential that communities, Civil Society Oganisations and other stakeholders work closely with the police to report suspicious activities to the police to help provide information and promote peace and security.
He added that the collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the national commission for the control of small arms and light weapons is a significant step in the right direction that must continue to thrive.
“The partnership has been an instrumental platform in curbing the illicit trends and circulation of small and light weapons. If truth must be said, there are more weapons in the domain of the public that we cannot account for,” he said.
Commandant General of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abubakar Ahmed Audi, said the issue has had a negative impact in the nation, but that they are actively working to address the issue using intelligence driven innovations, partnering with other security agencies and public awareness campaigns.
Represented by commandant Corps Usman Ishag Alfaderai, he said it is no longer news that part of the country has miscreants possessing these weapons all over the place.
“The North East is flooded with terrorism, while the North West is faced with banditry and all of these people are brandishing a lot of arms which are in most cases more suffocated than what the national security agencies have,” he said.
He also disclosed that the commission in its effort to protect the oil and gas infrastructure, has put in place strategies to combat pipeline vandalism which poses a threat to the nation.
According to him, in recent times, the commission has recorded an increase in attempt to vandalise our pipelines, particularly in the Lagos axis.
He said, in 2023, Lagos State Commandant arrested over 40 suspects, recovered many stolen products and apprehended both tankers used to carry out such activities. He stated that their efforts have helped reduce incessant pipeline vandalism and bunkering in Lagos.
He said they are collaborating with other security agencies in ensuring the safety and security of our nation. “While challenges may arise, we are committed to fostering strong inter agency partnership that enhance our collective efforts in maintaining security,” he said.
Chief Executive Officer, Safety Signatures Limited, Cynthia Gregg who featured in the panel discussion on what can be done to end proliferation of small arms and light weapons, said security is the profession of certain people and such people are expected to be professional and lead the path for others to follow.
He said because the problem is overwhelming, a lot now depends on the private security sector to see at least what role they can play.
“Proliferation of small arms and light weapons is something that can be overwhelming.
“Everyone wants power to operate, many people want to own what they can not legally possess and they felt since they cannot deal with you man to man, they will use a greater force. Hence the proliferation of firearms. It’s being used to oppress people they feel they can oppress. Example, kidnapping,” she explained.
On the way forward, she said Nigerians should recognise themselves as one, work hard and meet up with the expectations of the family, the world and make Nigeria a better place.
