The Commander of the 013 Quick Response Force, Nigerian Air Force, Minna, Niger State, Group Captain KO Akinyosade, has emphasized the need for collaboration between relevant agencies to enhance national security.
He said the call is in a bid to strengthen collaboration and partnership to curb the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons.
This was during a meeting with the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), North Central Zone.
Akinyosade noted the need to foster collaboration and explore opportunities for partnership with the Centre, considering its strategic role in combating the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons in the country.
He disclosed that the 013 QRF was established in 2018 to provide rapid air response in cases of terrorism, kidnapping, and other security threats.
The Commander also emphasized the agency’s readiness to partner with the Centre in intelligence sharing, noting the increasing rate of illicit weapons in the hands of non-state actors in the country that need urgent attention.
Responding, the Zonal Director, Enenche, emphasized the importance of inter-agency synergy, adding that NCCSALW was established by Presidential Executive Order in 2021 and enacted into law in 2024 to control and manage SALW in Nigeria domicile in the office of National Securty Adviser .
He welcomed the partnership with the 013 QRF and highlighted NCCSALW’s efforts to educate communities and various stakeholders on the dangers of illicit arms.
“We conduct sensitization programs for traditional rulers, faith-based organizations, market traders, security agencies, and motor park unions to raise awareness about the risks associated with illicit arms proliferation,” Eneche disclosed.
He, however, identified air, land, and maritime borders as major sources of the influx of these illicit weapons, while decrying the activities of notorious blacksmiths who now fabricate illicit weapons instead of traditional farm implements.
The Zonal Director further added that the Centre adheres to international best practices in destroying seized weapons in collaboration with relevant stakeholders while disclosing plans to leverage technology in combating the proliferation of illicit arms.
Furthermore, the Assistant Director, Support Services, Lt Col O.K. Olagungu, during the interactive session, called for a more robust synergy, especially during the planning stage of operations, by involving the Centre for intelligence sharing.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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