The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons is partnering with the National Park Service to combat banditry and criminal activities in Nigeria’s parks. DIG Johnson Kokumo highlighted the need to control arms proliferation via porous borders. NPS Conservator-General Dr. Ibrahim Goni welcomed this initiative and called for modern equipment to tackle security challenges.
The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons has reaffirmed its dedication to collaborating with the National Park Service (NPS) in addressing banditry and other criminal activities in Nigerian parks. This commitment was articulated by Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Johnson Kokumo, the Centre’s Coordinator, during his visit to the NPS in Abuja on Thursday.
DIG Kokumo emphasized the importance of mutual understanding, support, and collaboration in efforts to combat criminal activities. He pointed out the urgent need to control the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, highlighting the issue of Nigeria’s porous borders that facilitate the entry of illicit arms. Additionally, he identified forest routes as significant channels for such proliferation.
The collaboration aims to enhance the effectiveness of the NPS, which plays a critical role in fighting crime. DIG Kokumo assured the agency of support in capacity-building initiatives and intelligence sharing. On the other hand, Dr. Ibrahim Goni, the Conservator-General of the NPS, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership and outlined the various security challenges threatening parks, such as banditry, insurgency, poaching, and illegal logging.
Dr. Goni raised alarms about increasingly sophisticated loggers equipped with firearms and called for modern patrol equipment, detectors, and advanced weaponry to combat these threats effectively. He also committed to working closely with the Centre and advocated for a review of the National Park Act to enhance security measures in parks.
The collaboration between the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons and the National Park Service signifies a proactive approach to addressing security challenges in Nigerian parks. With a focus on controlling arms proliferation and enhancing capacity, this partnership aims to mitigate criminal activities such as banditry, poaching, and illegal logging, while also urging necessary legislative reviews for improved park security.
Original Source: nannews.ng
