Security
THE National Coordinator, National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) retired Maj.-Gen. Abba Dikko, has commended the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for its commitment toward curtailing the proliferation of illegal arms in Nigeria.
This is contained in a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet on Thursday in Abuja.
Dikko gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar in Abuja.
He said the NAF had continued to assist the centre in the transportation, storage and security of seized weapons, adding that the efforts had continued to ease the burden of work for the centre.
According to him, the commitment and diligence of the NAF toward assisting the centre rid the nation of small arms and light weapons through airlifts, robust collaborative efforts, mutual synergy and proactive intelligence gathering is incomparable and must be appreciated.
Dikko further solicited for support of the air chief in the passage of the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Bill 2023, currently before the National Assembly.
In his response, Air Marshal Abubakar said that the air force and the NCCSALW had maintained a cordial working relationship since its establishment in May 2021.
He said the establishment of the centre was apt and timely since proliferation of small arms and light weapons was directly proportional to heightened level of insecurity.
He commended efforts of the centre in curbing illegal spread and flow of arms and other weapons within Nigeria.
According to him, any effort at controlling the proliferation of the small arms and light weapons is certainly a welcome development to everyone seeking a prosperous and peaceful Nigeria.
Abubakar also commended the Coordinator for the establishment of a database for legitimate and illegitimate arms in the country.
He said the database would go a long way in assisting security agencies and the Federal Government in taking the most appropriate lines of action as it related to weapons and ammunition management.
The CAS assured the centre of NAF’s continued support in the effort to achieve its mandate. (NAN)
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September 7 2023 @ 16:12 GMT|
Tags: Abba Dikko Edward Gabkwet
