Insecurity: FG Security Agency partners NGO to curb arms proliferation in Northeast

Our Editor

The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) North East Zonal Centre, under the Office of the National Security Adviser to President Bola Tinubu has deepened collaborations with Common Ground for Peace, Rights and Development (CGPRD) to curtail the proliferation of illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons across the NorthEast region.

The partnership was solidified when Mr Bukar Atiyaye, the Executive Director, CGPRD led the NGO on a courtesy visit to Maj-:Gen. Abubakar Adamu (Rtd), the Northeast Zonal Director, NCCSALW in Maiduguri on Wednesday.

Speaking during the visit, Maj-: Gen. Abubakar Adamu (Rtd) said the collaboration with a youth-led and community-rooted organization like the NGO was necessary in the fight against the proliferation of illicit arms and ammunition thereby improving the security architecture of the region.

Adamu called on the organization to join hands with the Centre in sensitizing and enlightening the communities on the dangers of illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons to the society.

“I urge you to continue to sensitize the people on the need to report to the appropriate security agencies whenever they see something posing a threat to the security of lives and property,” Adamu said.

Maj:- Gen. Abubakar Adamu (Rtd) also explained that the Centre was working in collaboration with all stakeholders in the country to mop up all Small Arms and Light Weapons for onward destruction, adding that the Centre had been mandated by the federal government to prosecute any individual involved in the proliferation of illicit weapons in the country.

The Zonal Director assured that the Centre would continue to do everything possible to ensure that the society is rid of illicit arms and ammunition for a safer Nigeria.

Earlier speaking, Mr Bukar Atiyaye, the Executive Director, CGPRD explained that the organization is committed to advancing peacebuilding, human rights, inclusive governance, and sustainable development across Northern Nigeria.

According to him, CGPRD worked closely with communities, government institutions, security agencies, civil society organizations, and development partners to promote locally driven solutions that strengthen peace, social cohesion, accountable governance, and community resilience.

He said that the organization, through its various initiatives, sought to bridge the gap between community realities and policy responses through evidence generation, civic engagement, and multi-stakeholder collaboration.

“We have followed with keen interest the important work of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons in preventing the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons and strengthening national and community security.

“We recognize the Centre’s critical role in promoting peace, preventing armed violence, and supporting coordinated responses to security challenges, particularly within the North-East,” he said.