The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) said it recovered at least 30,000 small arms, light weapons and ammunition in Nigeria since its establishment in 2001.
Retired AVM Haruna Mohammed, the NCCSALW national coordinator in the North-West zone, disclosed this during a training organised for journalists on Tuesday in Kaduna.
Mr Mohammed said since the establishment of the centre, a lot of recoveries of illicit small arms and light weapons and ammunition have been recorded.
He said, “Over 10,000 small arms and light weapons and over 20,000 ammunition of different calibres have so far been recorded.
“I want to categorically mention here that security agencies and in addition, religious and traditional rulers, civil society organations and the media played a vital role. We will not rest on our laurels.”
Mr Mohammed said that sharing information and knowledge was indestructible for promoting peace in society.
He added that the training was organised in realisation of the critical role of the media in enlightening the public about the activities of the government’s establishment.
“It is also in line with the core function of NCCSALW of the effective education and awareness campaign related to small arms and light weapons.
“This is aimed at capacity building to enhance coverage of the activities of the centre professionally and ethically. It will also serve as a forum or further networking and collaboration between the participants and the centre,” Mr Mohammed said.
He explained that the effects of the proliferation of small and light were too numerous as it is a major catalyst for insecurity in Nigeria and globally.
NAN