Cultism major force driving arms proliferation in Nigeria – Report
From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
Cultism has been identified as the major force driving small arms proliferation in Nigeria.
This follows a report presented after a joint retreat between ECOWAS Small Arms Division and the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and light weapons.
The report, which was sighted by Oracle Today, recommended that to curb the menace, there should be capacity strengthening of security agencies as well as regulation of artisanal arms production.
The report states in part, “The discussion emphasized various factors, including inadequate enforcement of existing laws, ethnic stockpiling, porous borders, separatist movements, proliferation driven by ecological factors, and politically motivated influences.
“Additionally, cultism emerged as a driving force behind the acquisition of arms. In order to address these challenges, it was recommended that capacity strengthening of security agencies and establishment of joint task forces, would be instrumental in combating forces contributing to arms proliferation.
Furthermore, regulation of artisanal arms production was also proposed as an important consideration during the discussion.
Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security represented by Mr. Ahoba Joseph Piex, in his remarks stressed the urgent need of coordinated efforts in addressing the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons, SALW.
He underscored the crucial role of the ECOWAS Convention on SALW as a vital instrument in tackling this pressing issue.
He further highlighted that the workshop was significant in advancing the implementation of the Convention.
Similarly, Permanent Representative of Nigeria to ECOWAS, as represented by Mr Abdullahi Isah recognized the ECOWAS Convention on SALW as a crucial document for fostering peace, stability and development.
He noted that the workshop will serve as a valuable platform to enhance the understanding of the convention and identify critical areas where improvements are required.
He emphasized that the knowledge and experience acquired through this workshop will be crucial in shaping tangible measures
The primary objective of the workshop was to bring together various national stakeholders in the field of arms control, facilitating discussions on national commitments to the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW).
