By FOLORUNSHO ATTA
Abeokuta, Ogun State – The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, has identified the widespread availability of illicit small arms and light weapons (SALW) among non-state actors as a significant driver of criminality within the society.
TheCaveat.com.ng reports that the CP Ojajuni made this assertion during a one-day seminar organized by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) in Abeokuta, the state capital. The seminar focused on the effective post-judgment management of SALW.
The Commissioner lauded the SALW initiative as both timely and crucial for addressing the prevailing security challenges. He emphasized that these weapons are the primary instruments utilized by criminals, highlighting the critical need for strategic collaboration and sustained dialogue among relevant stakeholders to mitigate this menace.
While acknowledging the notable successes recorded by security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, in recovering illegal arms, CP Ojajuni pointed out that a substantial number of these weapons remain in custody following judicial processes.
He explained that these arms are frequently stored in armouries under the care of exhibit keepers across various agencies, necessitating improved coordination and monitoring.
To counter this, CP Ojajuni advocated for the establishment of a proactive and centralized framework for the immediate retrieval of recovered arms once court proceedings are concluded. He underscored the importance of the NCCSALW developing mechanisms to ensure the prompt collection of such weapons from all relevant units, warning that delays could introduce avoidable security risks.
The seminar, coordinated by the South-West Director of NCCSALW, retired CP Abiodun Alamutu, psc, brought together key stakeholders. Attendees included representatives from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Customs Service, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigerian Military, and the Ministry of Justice. These participants deliberated on best practices and strategies for effective arms control.
CP Ojajuni expressed his appreciation for the Centre's initiative and the commitment demonstrated by all participating agencies. He reaffirmed the Ogun State Police Command’s unwavering dedication to inter-agency collaboration, robust arms control measures, and the paramount objective of protecting lives and property throughout the State.
0 Comments