In a major move aimed at curbing the proliferation of illicit arms in Nigeria, the Nigerian Stories platform has taken to its official X (formerly Twitter) handle to break the news of a significant legislative development. According to the announcement, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu confirmed that President Bola Tinubu has officially signed into law the creation of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons.
This pivotal legislation marks a bold step in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat the widespread circulation of illegal arms and light weapons, which have fueled insecurity across the nation. The establishment of the centre comes at a time when the country faces escalating challenges from insurgencies, banditry, armed robberies, and communal conflicts—all exacerbated by the easy access to unauthorized firearms.
Nuhu Ribadu, in his statement, emphasized that the new centre will play a critical role in coordinating the country’s strategy for arms control, providing a centralized body that will oversee the regulation, tracking, and destruction of illicit weapons. This includes working in close collaboration with both domestic law enforcement agencies and international partners to stem the tide of illegal arms smuggling and trafficking across Nigeria’s borders.
The creation of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons has long been advocated by security experts, who have consistently highlighted the dangers posed by unchecked arms flows in the region. By signing this legislation, President Tinubu has demonstrated a firm commitment to strengthening national security and addressing one of the key drivers of violent crime and terrorism in the country.
The centre is expected to employ cutting-edge technology and intelligence-gathering techniques to trace the origins of illicit arms, disrupt smuggling networks, and ensure that seized weapons are permanently removed from circulation. In addition, it will work to raise public awareness on the dangers of illegal arms possession, fostering a culture of responsibility and vigilance among citizens.
This landmark legislation is not only a decisive response to the internal security challenges Nigeria faces but also positions the country as a leader in the regional fight against small arms trafficking, a problem that has had far-reaching consequences across West Africa.
The establishment of the centre has been met with widespread approval, as stakeholders believe it will contribute significantly to restoring peace and security, particularly in conflict-ridden areas of the country. As this new centre begins its operations, the nation watches with anticipation, hopeful that it will make a lasting impact in the war against illegal arms proliferation.
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