Nigeria now a ‘destination for arms’

The presidential committee on small arms and light weapons has expressed concern over Nigeria’s emergence as a major destination – not just a transit point – for arms and ammunition.

Chairman of the committee, Ambassador Emmanuel Imoghen, expressed this concern when he other members on a courtesy visit to director-general of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Mike Omeri.

Ambassador Imoghen lamented the persistence of small arms trade targeting Nigeria, citing the presence of ethnic militia across the country as a major factor influencing the trade.

He stressed the need for immediate domestication and implementation of various international protocols and treaties on small arms and light weapons to which Nigeria was already a signatory and requested the support of NOA in the campaign to sensitise Nigerians against the illicit trade.

Responding, Omeri expressed regrets that the motive of most manufacturers and marketers of small arms and light weapons across the world was to promote violence rather than to facilitate peace. .

However, he implored Nigerians to discountenance anyone or group that promotes violence. He called for the immediate domestication of international protocols and treaties aimed at stemming the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

He also assured the visiting committee of the support of NOA for the campaign, pledging the availability of the agency’s staff.

He further disclosed that NOA would soon launch the Do the right thing: Stop illegal use of small arms and light weapons campaign to bolster the committee’s effort.