The Enugu State Government has reiterated its commitment to supporting the war against the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kingsley Tochi Udeh, gave this assurance when the National Center for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) paid him an advocacy visit.
Dr. Udeh described the campaign as both timely and crucial in addressing rising insecurity and preventing non-state actors from gaining access to illegal firearms. He noted that Governor Peter Mbah is committed to creating a safe environment for citizens and investors to live and operate without harassment.
“The security of lives and property is the primary responsibility of every government. The work NCCSALW is doing is not only commendable but absolutely necessary. We must end this culture of violence in our communities, state, and country at large,” Udeh stated.
He further assured that anyone caught with illegal firearms would be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent, while also pledging to embark on state-wide sensitisation on the dangers of small arms proliferation.
On his part, Capt. Chris Anushiem (Rtd.), the South East Director of NCCSALW, explained that the Center was established in line with Nigeria’s commitment to the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms. He highlighted that the agency, operating under the Office of the National Security Adviser, is mandated to search, recover, and destroy illegal arms in the hands of non-state actors and terrorists.
He appealed for stronger collaboration with the Enugu State Government, including provision of secured land and office space, to aid the Center’s work in the state.
“Our collaboration with Enugu State is central to the success of our mandate, as states play a frontline role in law enforcement, prosecution, and sensitisation. I am optimistic this partnership will yield tangible results in enhancing peace and security,” Anushiem added.
