The Federal Government has advocated stronger regional efforts to counter the threats posed by the proliferation of small arms and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in the West Africa sub-region.
This call was made at the opening of the ECOWAS Coordination Meeting of National Commissions on Small Arms on Tuesday in Abuja.
The Director-General, National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), retired DIG Johnson Kokumo, who is the representative of Nigeria at the meeting made the call.
The theme of the meeting is, “Countering Improvised Explosive Devices, Promoting Administration and Management of Small Arms and Light Weapons, and Regulating Craft Weapons Production in the ECOWAS Region”.
Kokumo said that the challenge of small arms proliferation and IEDs threats transcended individual borders and therefore demands a robust and unified response.
He commended the ECOWAS for its relentless dedication to regional peace and security, and reiterated the willingness of the federal government to work with its brothers and sisters in the region.
“This coordination meeting therefore provides a unique platform to further consolidate our strategies, align our goals and ensure that our national actions contribute meaningfully to regional stability.
“The threats posed by the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons, the rising misuse of improvised explosive devices presents us with a unique and urgent call to action.
“Our collective work here reflects a fundamental truth, that is, no one nation can tackle these complex challenges alone.
“Together, through concerted action and commitment, we can make our communities safer, our borders more secure and our region a beacon of peace and resilience,” he said.(NAN)
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
