“Small Arms Slowly Becoming Weapons Of Mass Destruction” – Federal Government

The Federal Government of Nigeria has raised concern over the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the Lake Chad Basin.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha said this on Thursday during a multilateral meeting with stakeholders in Abuja.

According to him countries in the region should establish a network and synergy to curb the proliferation.

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Mustapha went further, noting that small arms are slowly going towards the categorization of “weapons of mass destruction”. He also stated that the availability of arms has caused untold damage to life in communities around the area.

“The proliferation of small arms in the Lake Chad Basin is a major security concern that has far-reaching consequences for the region. It has contributed to the escalation of conflict and violence and has impeded the economic and social development of the countries in the region.

“Small arms are slowly becoming weapons of mass destruction. Their widespread availability has caused tremendous harm to communities and individuals, especially women and children.

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“It is, therefore, imperative that we work together to curb the proliferation of small arms in the Lake Chad Basin region. If we must put an end to the senseless and mindless violence of Boko Haram and other violence mongers that are widespread in the region.”

Boss Mustapha also made a cry out to other affected countries to judiciously implement the existing international and regional agreements on small arms control.

“We also need to engage in dialogue and cooperation to increase public awareness and to mobilize resources for small arms control initiatives.”

Also speaking at the event, the National Security Adviser, Babagana Mongonu explained that one country alone cannot stop the circulation of illicit arms.

He however called for collaboration and “decisive action to address this menace” and protect citizens of countries in the Lake Chad Basin.

“However, we recognize that this is not a problem that any one country can solve alone. We must work together as a region to address the root causes of this problem including poverty, underdevelopment, and poor governance.

“We must also strengthen our border control measures to prevent the illicit flow of small arms and light weapons across our borders. Let us use this opportunity to build strong partnerships and develop practical solutions that will make a real difference in the lives of our citizens.”

Monguno added that Nigeria is committed to playing its part in the efforts to tackle SALW proliferation in the region.

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 Photo Credit: Getty