Taraba Seeks Partnership To Regulate Arms Proliferation

Taraba State governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, has said that his administration would partner with the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSACC), to tackle arms proliferation in the state.

The governor disclosed this during a courtesy visit by the agency’s North-East zonal coordinator, Major General Abubakar Adamu (rtd), an indigene of Taraba State.

Represented by the speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, John Kizito Bonzena, Governor Kefas acknowledged the agency’s crucial role, particularly given Taraba’s strategic location amidst states and countries grappling with arms proliferation.

While pledging his administration’s support to the centre, the governor said that, as the chief security officer of the state, he would continue to prioritise intentional measures aimed at securing Taraba state.

Earlier, Major General Adamu commended the governor for his efforts in securing the state and supporting security agencies in fighting criminality.

He explained that the agency, which was established in 2021 under the Office of the National Security Adviser, aims to control illicit arms flow and enhance state security through rigorous control measures, strategic partnerships, and comprehensive policies.

The zonal coordinator emphasised that unchecked arms proliferation currently poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s future and, if left unregulated, could ruin the country.

He urged security agencies, traditional institutions, religious bodies, youth groups, and legislators to join forces with the agency to combat this menace and ensure safety in Taraba and the country at large.

Major General Adamu (rtd) noted that the agency’s mission goes beyond seeking support, as they also aim to educate Taraba residents on the dangers of possessing small arms and light weapons.