Centre, Transport Unions Join Forces Against Illegal Firearms

The South-South Zonal Office of  National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) has stepped up efforts to curb the spread of illicit small arms and light weapons by forging stronger partnerships with transport unions in Calabar.

At a strategic sensitisation session in Calabar yesterday,  drivers and union leaders were urged to work with the centre to prevent illegal arms from moving through the transport sector, reinforcing both public safety and community security.

Addressing participants, South-South zonal coordinator, Dr Alex Inemah Ebimiebo, described transport operators as “indispensable allies in the fight against insecurity.” stressing that transporters are critical stakeholders that they  need to work with.

“That is why we are here,” stressing that the session aimed to raise awareness and strengthen collaboration in preventing the circulation of illegal firearms,” he said.

Ebimiebo explained that the Centre was established on May 3, 2021, under Article 24 of the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons, and operates under the Office of the National Security Adviser.

With headquarters in Abuja and six zonal offices nationwide, he noted that the Calabar office serves as the South-South regional hub.

He said, “Without small arms, insecurity would not have been this widespread. You cannot carry out terrorism, armed robbery, or violent conflict with bare hands; the main instrument is the gun.”

He emphasized that the challenge extends beyond Nigeria, stating, “This is a global concern. Wherever you see mass violence or conflict, firearms are involved.”

He stated that it’s the reason  why countries are taking deliberate steps to control arms proliferation.

Educating participants on the types of small arms and light weapons, Ebimiebo listed conventional firearms such as AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, and pistols, alongside locally fabricated weapons.

He explained, “When we talk about illicit arms, we mean weapons not obtained from authorized sources. In Nigeria, you must have a license issued by the police to legally possess a firearm.”

He also noted that firearms are useless without ammunition, making bullets and cartridges a critical part of the proliferation problem.

Warning against the normalization of weapons in communities, he observed that even non-security personnel are increasingly familiar with firearms.

He urged transporters to remain vigilant, particularly where passengers attempt to offer inducements. “If someone is unusually eager to pay and discourages you from checking their luggage, you should be suspicious.

“Reject any form of inducement. By doing so, you protect yourself and society,” he cautioned.

Reinforcing the legal perspective, Zonal Legal Adviser Barr. Endurance Asim-Ita warned drivers about the serious consequences of conveying armed passengers.

She said, “If a passenger in your vehicle is found with illegal weapons, it is not only the park owner who will be charged; the driver will also face prosecution.” She added, “Ignorance is not an excuse.”

The law recognizes different parties to a crime the person who commits it and the person who assists, whether knowingly or unknowingly.

“You may still be required to appear in court and defend yourself”, urging transport operators to safeguard their future by refusing to serve as channels for illegal arms.

Supporting the initiative, Mr. Ikechi Emmanuel of Cross Lines Company Limited welcomed the sensitization effort and affirmed that registered transport companies already operate structured security protocols.

He noted that in his company, luggage inspection is mandatory, and enforcement officers are stationed at loading points during periods of heightened security concern.

Transport workers like John Idorenyin of Akwa Ibom Transport Company and Ekpenyong Edet of the Unified Transport Union, Calabar, shared their experiences and raised practical questions, highlighting the need for ongoing collaboration between transport operators, security agencies, and regulatory authorities to ensure safer travel across Nigeria.