The National Association has sought for collaboration with the National Center for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, this the association made clear when they paid a courtesy visit to the Northeast Zonal Office of the organization on Thursday 27th July 2023.
The National Vice President, Special Duties of NAN Comrade Suleiman Sarki disclosed this to journalists on Monday July 31st 2023 while interacting with Journalists in Maiduguri, the Borno State Capital.
According to Comrade Sarki, their recent visit to the National Center for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Northeast Zone, they expressed the desire of NANS to support and collaborate with the National Center in combating the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the country.
During the visit, NANS leaders congratulated the Northeast Coordinator on his appointment and commended the center for its relentless efforts in ensuring the safety and security of the Nigerian people. Recognizing the devastating impact of these weapons, particularly in the Northeast region, NANS sought to forge a partnership with the center.
One of the key proposals put forward by NANS was the implementation of sensitization and awareness programs in higher institutions of learning and secondary schools. By creating a Small Arms and Light Weapons Free Society Club, NANS aims to educate students and young adults about the dangers associated with the illegal use of these weapons and how they can contribute to their control. Furthermore, NANS expressed it’s desire to establish ambassadors for that purpose in various communities across the Northeast.
Acknowledging the significance of intelligence gathering, NANS appealed for the center’s collaboration in empowering students and youths to provide crucial information that can aid in curbing the illicit arms trade.
To show their appreciation for the center’s efforts, NANS leadership announced plans to write a small book on sensitization and awareness campaigns on the negative impact of the Prolifiration of Small Arms and Light Weapons, especially the threat it poses to National Security in the country.
The publication according to NANS will be translated into different native languages and distributed to communities, tertiary institutions, and secondary schools.
Additionally, Comrade Sarki disclosed that the association has produced stickers, flyers, and posters containing messages that highlight the dangers of illegal weapon use. These materials will be strategically placed in public spaces, vehicles, tricycles, and other commercial outlets to enhance the dissemination of the messages.
While responding, the Zonal Coordinator of the National Center For The Control Of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Northeast Zone, Rear Admiral S.A. Mohammed, expressed gratitude for the visit and acknowledged the importance of collaboration between the center and NANS.
He recognized NANS as an important stakeholder in the fight against the illicit weapons trade, while also emphasizing the significance of cooperation in achieving their shared objectives.
The visit concluded with both parties expressing optimism for a productive and fruitful partnership. Through joint efforts, they intend to make the Northeast region, and Nigeria as a whole, a safer place for everyone.
Nigeria Star News 