NSA, Monguno, Laments Proliferation Of Small Arms, Says Huge Threat To Nation

By Akinwale Kasali

Babagana Monguno, the National Security Adviser, has lamented that the security of the nation is dangerously threatened following the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons.

The Retired Major General said that this has become a menace to the security of the nation and needs to be urgently attended to, so as to bring an end to the insecurity ravaging the country.

He made this remark during the destruction of over 3,000 small arms recovered from across the country by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, which were destroyed at the Nigerian Army Command Engineering Depot on Thursday in Kaduna State.

Monguno said that the proliferation of small arms and light Weapons was a major source of vulnerability in the society.

“It stood out as a key driver of violent conflict, crime and terrorism within and beyond Nigeria’s borders,” he added.

He stressed that the failure of the global community to control the availability of illicit SALW has continued to undermine global peace and significantly hinder development especially in sub-Saharan Africa.

“We recognise the complexity of the challenge of controlling the proliferation of SALW in Nigeria and the requirement for concerted action between the government, international community and all well-meaning Civil Society Organisations.

“Nonetheless, we are resolved to galvanise our strengths and unity as a nation to confront this monstrous challenge and I am optimistic that we shall overcome it,” he said.

The NSA was represented by Aminu Lawal, Director Policy and Strategy, Office of the NSA.