Partnering to combat the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Anambra State, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has joined forces with the National Commission for the Coordination and Control of the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NATCOM).
During a courtesy visit by Dr. Ebere Anozie, the NATCOM Commandant in the state, NSCDC Commandant in Anambra, Olatunde Maku, announced the collaboration. Maku emphasized the need to address the issue of illegal arms contributing to the rise in criminal activities across the country.
Expressing readiness to work with NATCOM, Maku highlighted the importance of preventing the circulation of illicit arms to ensure a secure environment conducive to peace.
“Security concerns all of us, and we are committed to eradicating illegal arms from the hands of unauthorized individuals,” remarked Maku, acknowledging the link between the surge in criminal activities and the presence of illicit weapons. “The task ahead may pose challenges, but it is imperative to proceed with our mission.”
Prior to this, the NATCOM commandant detailed the commission’s mandate to intercept illegal arms, ammunition, and chemical weapons entry into the country, in line with the Economic Community of West African States’ treaty signed by Nigeria in 2006.
“NATCOM seeks to leverage NSCDC’s expertise as a crucial player in internal security for addressing the issue. The aim is to curb the spread of small arms, light weapons, and associated materials within the nation,” Anozie explained.