The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen. Hassan Dada voiced concern over the rising number of weapons held by unauthorized individuals in Nigeria. Speaking at a seminar in Enugu focused on curbing the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, Dada emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue.
“The number of weapons outside is very alarming. We need solutions; we need to think out of the box; so we can take away these weapons,” Dada expressed, highlighting the critical need to remove these arms from circulation.
Representing the GOC, Brig.-Gen. MM Abu stressed that retrieving weapons from non-state actors would significantly improve the current security situation in the country. He underscored the importance of synergy among security agencies to achieve this goal.
Similarly, Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Kanayo Uzuegbu, echoed concerns about the proliferation of weapons fueling criminal activities nationwide. He emphasized the need for engagement with Nigerian manufacturers and political leaders to tackle this menace effectively.
“We should engage our manufacturers to tap from their expertise in a positive way for the good of our country,” Uzuegbu stated, emphasizing the importance of utilizing local resources to combat the issue.
The NCCSALWS zonal officer, Maj.-Gen. Okechukwu Ugoh (rtd), emphasized the direct link between the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons and the suffering experienced by many Nigerians.
“These weapons on their own do not cause conflict; rather, it is the easy access to them and the recklessness of their use that make violence more lethal,” Ugoh explained.
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He highlighted the prevalence of small arms and light weapons in the hands of criminals, terrorists, and bandits, posing a significant challenge to the nation’s security.
The seminar, themed ‘Multi-Sectoral Synergy Towards the Control of Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Nigeria,’ aimed to foster collaboration among various stakeholders in addressing this pressing issue.
In summary, the seminar emphasized the need for coordinated efforts involving security agencies, manufacturers, and political leaders to tackle the proliferation of unauthorized weapons effectively.
