POLICE, NATCOM STRENGTHEN PARTNERSHIP TO CURB ILLICIT ARMS

POLICE, NATCOM STRENGTHEN PARTNERSHIP TO CURB ILLICIT ARMS

The Nigeria Police Force and the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NATCOM) have renewed their commitment to tackling the proliferation of illegal weapons and shutting down arms supply channels fueling insecurity across the country.

The partnership was strengthened during a visit by the leadership of NATCOM to the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where both institutions agreed to deepen cooperation in intelligence sharing, armory management, weapons accountability and joint operations against arms trafficking.

The National Coordinator of NATCOM, DIG Johnson Kokumo (rtd), warned that the spread of illicit arms remains a major driver of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

He stressed that criminal activities thrive where there is easy access to illegal weapons, calling for stronger measures to disrupt the supply chain of arms in the country.

The collaboration is expected to enhance tracking and control of small arms and light weapons, while improving coordination among security agencies.

The Police authorities also emphasised the need for regular audits of police armories, continuous training of personnel handling firearms and intensified efforts against illegal arms manufacturers and black-market dealers.

Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening national security through improved accountability, intelligence-driven operations and coordinated action against illicit arms networks.