The Judiciary and other stakeholders from Borno and Yobe states have pledged complete commitment to partner with the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) under the Office of the National Security Adviser to President Bola Tinubu to strengthen the fight against the use of illicit arms and ammunition in the Northeast sub-region.
Hon. Justice Kashim Zannah, the Chief Judge of Borno state made this known during a one-day workshop on forfeiture, handling of small arms and light weapons by courts after judgement for prosecutors of firearms cases and other stakeholders organized by NCCSALW Northeast Zonal Centre.
Zannah, who reaffirmed the commitment of the judiciary in the state to support the national effort of controlling the spread of illicit arms and ammunition in the state, urged stakeholders present to enlighten the youth in every community to reject the allure of violence and say no to illicit firearms and ammunition on the street, in the forest and in every home.
The Chief Judge appreciated the Centre for organizing the workshop and commended its efforts in addressing the menace of illicit arms proliferation in the region.
He assured the Centre of the co-operation of Judges and Magistrates under his jurisdiction and pledged the Judiciary’s continued support to the NCCSALW in the discharge of its statutory mandate in accordance with the law.
Also speaking, Maj:-Gen. Abubakar Adamu (Rtd), the Northeast Zonal Director of NCCSALW assured the centre's readiness to tackle the problem of arms proliferation in the region in collaboration with every necessary stakeholders in the region.
He said the role of judicial officials, prosecutors, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders in ensuring that judicial decisions on arms forfeiture translate into tangible and lasting security gains was very instructive at this crucial time.
Adamu urged participants to engage actively, share experiences and contribute practical insight that would help strengthen procedures, close existing gaps and enhance the effective implementation of court judgments on arms forfeiture disposal.
“This workshop is to strengthen the capacity of prosecutors, judicial officers and other critical stakeholders involved in firearms related cases.
“The workshop was designed to address gaps in the prosecution, adjudication and post judgement handling of firearms related cases.
“Participants are drawn from the judiciary, law enforcement agencies, security agencies and civil society organizations who play active roles in tackling the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons and enhancing public safety,” he said.
Similar workshop was also organized by the centre in Yobe state on Thursday where the Director, Public Prosecution of the state’s Ministry of Justice, Barr. Abdullahi Yusuf, said that collaboration of prosecutors with NCCSALW would determine whether future generations inherit a Nigeria plagued by gun violence or one where peace, security, and the rule of law prevail.
“Let us go forth from this workshop with renewed understanding, enhanced skills, and unwavering determination to fulfill our duty. Every weapon we keep out of the wrong hands is a life saver. Every successful prosecution and forfeiture is a victory for justice and public safety.
“Together, as prosecutors united in purpose and committed to excellence, we will ensure that the lofty objectives of the NCCSALW Act are translated into tangible improvements in the security and well-being of all Nigerians,” he said.
Presenting an overview of the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Act 2024, the Director of Legal Services, NCCSALW, represented by Wing Commander U. Ekuerhari, outlined the urgent security challenges posed by arms proliferation in the North East.
He described the establishment of NCCSALW in 2021 and the 2024 Act as critical responses to the threat.
Also, Director of Legal Services, Nigeria Police, Yobe State Command, CSP Sulaiman Abubakar, warned that existing legal frameworks including the Firearms Act and the Army and Firearms Special Provision Act contain policies that must be urgently implemented.
“The proliferation of small arms is a serious societal problem that has broken the interior position of individuals and communities and if we don’t do it right, we die,” he warned.
A participant, Baba Shehu, speaking on behalf of civil society organizations, described the workshop as timely, emphasizing that the Northeast region is one of the most affected by terrorist activities for more than a decade.
He further stated that stakeholders must collaborate with law enforcement and the justice sector to prevent arms proliferation.
"As civil society, we have a duty to sensitise the public and support government agencies in carrying out their mandate,” Shehu said.
The workshop with the theme: Strengthening Procedural Approach for the Forfeiture and Safe Disposal of Small Arms and Light Weapons, has participants drawn from the judiciary, law enforcement agencies, security agencies and civil society organizations.
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