By Andrew Lookman
The Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa has called for the fencing of the critical areas of the nation’s boarders to help combat the influx of Small Arms and light Weapons and other criminal elements.
General Musa made the call at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja when he received the House of Representatives Committee on Small Arms and light Weapons.
Represented by the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, Air vice Marshall Sayo Olatunde, the Chief of Defence Staff explained that the nation’s porous border has contributed to the Proliferation of small arms and light Weapons in the country.
“When you talk of small arms, light Weapons Proliferation in the country, influx into the country, we have to think of the boarders, it is high time we fenced some critical parts of our borders, there are smart borders now a days that not just detect but also respond to threats” he added.
“It is high time we look at that otherwise we will just be struggling and struggling with minimal progress, so our dream, our aspirations for very peaceful and safe Nigeria, if we want that to come to realization, then we must begin to address the root of our Problem”
General Musa pointed out that it is the responsibility of the military to closed the borders but collective responsibility of the concern authority.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman House Committee on small arms and light weapon, Aliyu Misau, expressed the concerns of the Green Chamber over the increased Proliferation of small arms and light Weapons in Nigeria.
Mr. Misau while reiterating the commitment of the National Assembly to partner relevant stakeholders to address the menace of Proliferation of weapons, called for thorough awareness campaign to address the problem.
“The issue of small arms and light weapons is not merely a matter of national security; it is a pressing humanitarian concern that affects the everyday lives of our citizens.
“The escalation of proliferation of these weapons has far-reaching consequences, contributing to erosion of trust within our communities, violence and instability”
“It is our collective responsibility to address this challenge with urgency and resolve. We believe that a harmonious working relationship between the legislative and the arm forces is crucial in addressing this challenge”
The Chairman House Committee on Small Arms and light Weapons said the National Assembly is open to providing legal framework that would curb security challenges facing the nation.
