NSCDC To Check Arms Proliferation, Assures On Weapons Handling

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has reiterated its commitment to tackling the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, assuring Nigerians of professionalism, discipline and accountability in the handling of firearms by its personnel.

The FCT commandant, Dr Olusola Odumosu, gave the assurance when he received the zonal director, North Central, National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Abdul Adamu Enenche, during a sensitisation visit to the command’s headquarters in Abuja on Friday.

Odumosu identified porous borders as a major factor contributing to the illegal circulation of firearms across the country, stressing that the corps would continue to work with relevant security agencies to curb the menace.

He said arms proliferation fuels criminal activities, including vandalism, banditry, kidnapping and armed robbery, adding that the NSCDC remained committed to addressing the threat through intelligence gathering, inter-agency

collaboration and professional arms management.

“Arms proliferation fuels crime, vandalism, banditry, kidnapping, robbery and other vices. As a corps, we are committed to stemming this menace through intelligence, synergy with other sister agencies and professionalism in arms handling,” he said.

The commandant further assured that the FCT Command maintained strict standards in firearms management, noting that accidental discharge and other breaches of weapons-handling procedures were not taken lightly.

“We do not take accidental discharge lightly, and for that reason, our officers are thorough. I am happy to tell you that officers of the Command handle arms with professionalism, discipline and accountability,” he added.

He warned that the proliferation of illegal firearms among non-state actors posed a serious threat to national security, public safety and socio-economic development.

According to him, the command would sustain the training and retraining of its personnel in arms handling, human rights and operational best practices in line with the vision of the Commandant-General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi.

Odumosu also called for stronger collaboration among security agencies, effective monitoring of border communities and decisive action against illegal arms manufacturers and cross-border trafficking networks.

He stressed that safeguarding national peace required dedication, discipline and effective border management, particularly in tackling illicit arms manufacturing and trans-border shipments.

Earlier, Enenche said the sensitisation visit was part of the centre’s routine engagement with security agencies and other arms-bearing institutions, including religious bodies and traditional institutions, to promote awareness and strengthen efforts to control the spread of small arms and light weapons.

He identified porous borders, international maritime routes, illegal jetties and local arms manufacturers as some of the major channels through which illegal weapons enter circulation.

The zonal director said the centre was seeking closer collaboration with the NSCDC to strengthen arms control measures and ensure that weapons recovered from unauthorised persons were transferred to the Centre for proper custody after preliminary investigations.

Enenche commended Odumosu for his commitment to the protection of lives and property and his contributions to security in the FCT.

He subsequently presented an Award of Excellence to the commandant in recognition of his service.