By Uthman Baba-Naseer,Minna

The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) says it has made significant progress in reducing the proliferation of illicit arms and weapons in Nigeria.

The Director-General of the Centre, DIG Johnson Babatunde Kokumo (rtd.), stated this during an official visit to the North Central Zonal Office of the NCCSALW

in Minna, Niger State.

Kokumo said the Centre had identified major sources of illicit weapons in the country and was working with relevant government agencies to address the problem.

He identified external sources, diversion from legal stockpiles and local production as the three major sources of illicit arms proliferation.

According to him, the Centre is working with the Nigeria Customs Service and other border security agencies to prevent the movement of illegal weapons into the country.

He said the Centre was also monitoring legal government stockpiles to prevent the diversion of weapons into the wrong hands.

Kokumo added that the Centre was monitoring local artisans and craftsmen who produce weapons to ensure that their activities remain within the law and that weapons do not get into the hands of criminal groups and other non-state actors.

He said the Centre also destroys illicit weapons recovered from criminals or intercepted by security agencies and handed over to it.

The Director-General explained that the destruction of recovered illicit weapons was in line with the ECOWAS Convention, adding that the measure was aimed at preventing such weapons from returning to criminal elements.

He described the fight against illicit arms as a national challenge that requires the cooperation of all relevant institutions.

Kokumo said reducing the number of illegal weapons in circulation would make it more difficult for criminals to carry out terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes.

He also noted that the Centre had enjoyed strong cooperation with other government agencies in its efforts to control the spread of illicit arms.

The Director-General said the Centre, which was established in 2021, received legal backing after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assented to the law establishing it on June 4, 2024.

He explained that although the Centre had existed since 2021, the new legal backing had strengthened its authority to carry out its responsibilities.

Speaking earlier, the Zonal Director of the North Central Zone, Dr. Abdul Adamu Eneche, said the Centre had so far recovered more than 3,292 illicit arms and weapons from non-state actors across the zone.

Eneche identified porous borders in Niger, Kwara and Benue states as some of the major challenges affecting the operations of the Centre in the North Central Zone.

He said the Centre’s objectives include bringing the issue of illicit small arms and light weapons into national discussions and promoting a whole-of-government approach to tackling the problem.

The Centre said it would continue to work with security agencies and other stakeholders to reduce the circulation of illicit weapons and strengthen security across the country.

By Our Correspondent

‎ Nnobi, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State on Monday took to the streets in protest against the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) .
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‎The protesters who carried placards of various inscriptions lamented that the TCN had allegedly marked over one thousand houses in the seven villages that made up Ebenesi , a quarter of Nnobi, adding that the transmission company had given the affected landlords and residents about fourteen days notice to relocate failing which the buildings would be demolished at the expense of their owners.
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‎The protesters who marched the major roads and streets in Nnobi urged President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, the Federal Government and Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra State to provide an alternative residential area for them or in alternative urge the TCN to reroute the power lines underneath.
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‎Addressing the protesters at the palace, the Monarch of Nnobi, His Royal Majesty Engineer Muodum Nick Obi, represented by the palace Secretary, Chief Obianumba Ajaghaku assured the people that he would relay the request of the Ebenesi people to Governor Soludo adding that he felt the pains of the protesters..
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‎” Nnobi is a densely populated area.There are sparsely populated areas I feel your pains. I will take your request to the Governor”, he said.
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‎At the residence of the president General of Nnobi, Chief Olubialu who was flanked by the executives of Nnobi Welfare Organization (NWO), while receiving the the protesters said he had personally discussed the issue with a commissioner in the state. He said that while it was necessary for development not to be overlooked, the matter would be handled carefully given the fact that the Land Use Act places ownership of Land in the hands of the government.
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‎”We cannot overlook development. In one of my discussions with the commissioner, I told him to tell the TCN to come to us for discussion. This TCN line affected half of Awuda community and half of Ebenesi Community. we want development. But we want it in a way it won’t affect our people adversely. It touched you the way it touched us. We shall continue to see the government on the matter in a positive manner because according to the Land Act, government is the owner of land”, he said.
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‎Chief Patrick Nwayaku , The Chairman of Amadunu in his remark said the people were pleading with government to know that the marked areas for TCN line were the ancestral home of the
‎people and that it was not previously marked for demolition for TCN line. He said the issue began about fourteen years ago adding that the matter was in court between the community and the TCN
‎” WE are saddened to tell the TCN,, the government and physical planing board that the affected lands are our ancestral homes. There was never a time it was previously marked for demolition.” , Nwayaku said.
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‎Addressing the protesters along Awka-Etiti Road, Governor Soludo Aide on Youth Reformation, Dr. Nelson Omenugha said government would look into the grievances of the people ,

However, trouble erupted when Omenugha addimed that development comes with a cost, a statement that iritated the protesters and finally leading to hot exchange of words and blows among the protesters.

Omenugha was quickly rescued by security operatives who led him to his car and he was driven away.

‎Earlier the leader of the protesters and Chairman of Ebenesi Community Chief Ikechukwu Oraka said the TCN had given the affected landlords and residents a short notice of about fourteen days to relocate, stressing that the issue had cause deaths as some people had fallen sick when they learned that their houses were to be demolished for the TCN high tension line. He urged the government to shelve compensation and give people alternative settlements or Urge the TCN to route the line underground .
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‎One of the affected persons Chief James Okeke among others said they were not against development in the community rather they were asking for resettlements not compensation
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‎” We are not saying that government should not bring development. we saying let it be planned well. Not just to come suddenly to displace us. Let them give us a place to resettle
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By George Mgbeleke

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu and the troops of the Nigerian Army for the recent operational successes recorded in counter-terrorism operations across the North-East, North-West and North-Central regions.
HURIWA said the reported success of troops of the 162 Amphibious Battalion, Operation Hadin Kai, in repelling a coordinated attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on the Forward Operating Base, Mandaragirau, in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, was a significant demonstration of the Army’s operational readiness and tactical capacity.
The association, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, particularly commended the troops for their courage and professionalism in defeating the attackers, neutralising several terrorists and recovering weapons and other military equipment.
According to HURIWA, the successful defence of the military base, reportedly without any casualty among the troops, should encourage the military high command to sustain the offensive against terrorist organisations and deny them the opportunity to regroup and expand their operational networks.
However, the association stressed that military victories must ultimately be measured by their impact on the safety and freedom of civilians affected by terrorism.
HURIWA therefore urged the Chief of Army Staff to strengthen operational coordination with the Chief of Defence Staff and other Service Chiefs to facilitate the urgent rescue of the 52 children and other victims from Borno State who have reportedly remained in terrorist captivity for about 90 days.
The association described the prolonged captivity of the victims as a serious humanitarian and national security concern, particularly given reports that some affected families have resorted to selling houses and other property in anticipation of ransom demands.
HURIWA also expressed concern over reports of alleged fraudsters exploiting the desperation of victims’ families by impersonating representatives of the abductors and demanding money.
The association said such developments further demonstrate the urgent need for a coordinated government response that combines military operations, intelligence gathering, effective communication with affected families and appropriate measures to prevent ransom-related fraud.
HURIWA called for enhanced intelligence-sharing and closer operational collaboration among the Army, Air Force, Navy, police and relevant intelligence agencies in efforts to locate and rescue the victims.
The association maintained that the rescue operation should receive sustained attention at the highest levels of the national security architecture.
HURIWA said: “We commend the Nigerian Army and, particularly, the troops of Operation Hadin Kai for their courage and professionalism in confronting the terrorists at Mandaragirau.
“However, the objective of counter-terrorism operations is not simply to defeat terrorists in combat but to protect citizens and restore their freedom and security.
“We therefore urge the Chief of Army Staff and other Service Chiefs to intensify their collaboration and intelligence-driven operations aimed at locating and rescuing the 52 children and other Nigerians who have reportedly spent about 90 days in captivity.
“Every additional day in captivity exposes these victims, particularly the children, to unacceptable risks. Their rescue should therefore be treated as an urgent humanitarian and national security priority.”
The rights group further appealed to Nigerians to sustain their support and solidarity with the Armed Forces as they continue to confront terrorism and insurgency across the country.
HURIWA urged residents of affected communities to cooperate with security agencies and provide credible information capable of supporting ongoing operations, while cautioning against the dissemination of unverified information that could compromise military operations or endanger hostages.
The association also called on the Federal Government to maintain appropriate communication with the families of the abducted victims and ensure that they are not left without information or support during the prolonged search for their loved ones.
HURIWA reiterated its confidence in the professionalism and commitment of Nigeria’s Armed Forces and urged the military high command to sustain the current operational momentum.
The association said the country must remain united in confronting terrorism, while insisting that the ultimate measure of success must be the restoration of peace, protection of civilians and safe return of those still in captivity.