FG: Small arms slowly becoming weapons of mass destruction

The federal government says the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the Lake Chad Basin has become a “major security concern”.

Boss Mustapha, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), said countries in the region should establish a network and synergy to curb the proliferation.

The SGF spoke on Thursday at a multilateral meeting with stakeholders in Abuja.

Mustapha said small arms are inching towards the categorisation of “weapons of mass destruction”.

“The proliferation of small arms in the Lake Chad Basin is a major security concern that has far-reaching consequences for the region,” he said.

“It has contributed to the escalation of conflict and violence and has impeded the economic and social development of the countries in the region.

“Small arms are slowly becoming weapons of mass destruction. Their widespread availability has caused tremendous harm to communities and individuals, especially women and children.

“It is, therefore, imperative that we work together to curb the proliferation of small arms in the Lake Chad Basin region.

“If we must put an end to the senseless and mindless violence of Boko Haram and other violence mongers that are widespread in the region.”

The SGF called on the affected countries to expeditiously implement the existing international and regional agreements on small arms control.

“We also need to engage in dialogue and cooperation to increase public awareness and to mobilise resources for small arms control initiatives,” he said.

MONGUNO: WE MUST TAKE DECISIVE ACTION

Babagana Mongonu, the national security adviser, said one country alone cannot stop the circulation of illicit arms.

He called for collaboration and “decisive action to address this menace” and protect citizens of countries in the Lake Chad Basin.

“However, we recognise that this is not a problem that any one country can solve alone,” he said.

“We must work together as a region to address the root causes of this problem including poverty, underdevelopment and poor governance.

“We must also strengthen our border control measures to prevent the illicit flow of small arms and light weapons across our borders.

“Let us use this opportunity to build strong partnerships and develop practical solutions that will make a real difference in the lives of our citizens.”

Monguno added that Nigeria is committed to playing its part in the efforts to tackle SALW proliferation in the region.

In 2021, the federal government established the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW).

AM Dikko, a major general, was appointed as the pioneer coordinator of the centre.