National Security Adviser Emphasizes NCCSALW Authority In Small Arms Control Amidst Crackdown On Illegal Security Outfits....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a firm stance against the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has underscored the pivotal role of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) as Nigeria’s primary focal point in this critical endeavor. The reaffirmation of the NCCSALW’s authority comes alongside renewed efforts to dismantle illegal security outfits, with specific cautionary measures issued against entities such as NATFORCE…….CONTINUE READING

Spokesman of ONSA, Zakari Mijinyawa, reiterated the government’s commitment to combating illegal security outfits engaged in extortion and harassment of Nigerians. He emphasized that despite previous enforcement actions and arrests, certain groups persist in fraudulent activities, posing a threat to public safety and security.

Mijinyawa clarified that NATFORCE and its rebranded iteration, NATCOM, hold no official status within Nigeria’s security architecture and lack legal backing to operate as security organizations. Drawing attention to Section 24 of the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons, he highlighted the establishment of NCCSALW under the Office of the National Security Adviser, emphasizing its mandate to coordinate efforts in line with UN and ECOWAS Plans of Action on small arms control.

The statement further elucidated the appointment of DIG Johnson Babatunde Kokumo (Rtd) as the current National Coordinator of NCCSALW, appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It called upon state governments, international organizations, the private sector, and all stakeholders to collaborate closely with NCCSALW in addressing concerns surrounding the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

Law enforcement agencies were instructed to maintain vigilance and continue apprehending individuals and groups falsely presenting themselves as security forces, thereby safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s security apparatus and protecting its citizens from potential harm.