***Says Police’ll Continue To Mop Up Illicit Arms
By Miriam Humbe
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, on Thursday, received a delegation from the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa (UNREC) and the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) from the office of the National Security Adviser, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, (FPRO), disclosed this in a statement.
The high-level delegation was led by Dr. Adedeji Ebo, accompanied by Mr. Anselme Yabouri, Director of UNREC; Miss Grub Nolwenn, UNREC staff; AIG Thomas Nebhon and Lt. Col. O.N. Okon from NCCSALW.
Also in attendance was the Force Management Team including all Deputy Inspectors-General of Police, and the Force Secretary.
The strategic engagement was centred on enhancing inter-agency collaboration towards reducing the flow of illicit small arms and light weapons across Nigeria.
The UN delegation commended the Nigeria Police Force for its efforts in curbing arms proliferation, particularly in high-risk areas where criminal elements thrive on illegal weaponry to fuel insecurity.
They also emphasized the importance of coordinated intelligence, tracking mechanisms, and disarmament programs to reduce threats to internal security.
The IGP appreciated the continuous support from the international community and the office of the National Security Adviser, and reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s firm commitment to intensifying efforts toward mopping up illegal arms and ensuring that individuals and groups involved in arms trafficking are brought to justice.
He noted that the flow of illicit weapons remains a major threat to public safety and national security, and assured that the Force will not relent in its efforts to cutting the illicit flow of arms across the country.
The IGP hinted the delegation that the Nigeria Police Force had successfully recovered thousands of arms and ammunition, and will continue to sustain partnerships with stakeholders, both local and international, to disrupt criminal networks that facilitate arms smuggling and circulation.
He assured that under his leadership, the Nigeria Police Force would continue to pursue collaborative strategies and intelligence-sharing frameworks geared towards achieving lasting peace and security in Nigeria.
