By Dare Daniels
The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons( NCCSALW) has said its the only government agency empowers by law to checkmate proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons in Nigeria, vowed to sanction impostors.
The body disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen by the Zonal Coordinator, South West Zone, Ben Sola Akinlade, who warned the public over suspected impersonation.
Akinlade stated that the Centre observed that unauthorised outfits have sprung up deceitfully, who are parading themselves as the local organization for the Control of Illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons, thereby creating false impressions of legitimacy and authority.
He therefore urged Nigerians to disregard and report them to security agencies or the centre.
According to him: “The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons was established on 3rd May, 2021 by an Executive directive by the former President of Nigeria, Retired Major General Muhammadu Buhari in line with the Article 24 of ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons.
“The decision is sequel to the current state of insecurity and wanton destruction of lives and property occasioned by the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons.
“The target of the centre is to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to check incessant access to small weapons by unauthorized persons towards strengthening peace and security in Nigeria.”
The Coordinator also appealed to Nigerians to eschew illicit circulation of arms and allow the efforts of government in curbing insecurity created by the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria to be achieved.
He added that the country needed a weapons-free society for development and socio-political well-being of citizens to thrive.
While acknowledging the overwhelming challenges posed by the proliferation of illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons in Nigeria, Akinlade noted that any infringement on the duties of the Centre would attract legal sanctions.