APA – Lagos (Nigeria)
The Nigerian Government has urged countries in Lake Chad Basin Region to establish an enduring network and synergy, to stem proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in the region.
The Secretary to the Nigerian Government, Mr. Boss Mustapha, told a two-Day multilateral meeting with stakeholders of the Lake Chad Basin Region on Thursday in Abuja that Nigeria along with other Lake Chad Basin countries, should take advantage of the epic meeting to address the menace of SALW in the region.
“The proliferation of small arms in the lake Chad Basin is a major security concern that has far-reaching consequences for the region.
“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,” he said.
He stressed the need to work together to implement the existing international and regional agreements, on small arms control and to promote the development and implementation of new ones.
“We also need to engage in dialogue and cooperation to increase public awareness and to mobilise resources for small arms control initiatives,” he said.
In his remarks, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), retired Maj.-Gen. Babagana Mongonu, expressed concern on the devastating effects of the illicit circulation of small arms and light weapons.
He said that the availability of these weapons was fueling conflicts, exacerbating violence, and undermining peace and security in the region.
“We must take decisive action to address this menace and protect the lives and livelihoods of our citizens.
“This meeting provides us with opportunity to collaborate and share experiences and strategize towards curbing the proliferation of small arms and light weapons,” local media reports on Friday quoted Maj-Gen Mongonu as saying.
The meeting, which has “Cubing Proliferation of SALW in the Lake Chad Basin Region” as its theme, was organised by National Centre for the Control of SALW, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
GIK/APA
Nigeria tasks countries in Lake Chad Basin Region on tackling proliferation of small arms
