The Director General (DG) of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), Deputy Inspector General of Police Johnson Babatunde Kokumo (Rtd), has called for stronger and more strategic partnership between the Centre, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), and Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), to effectively tackle the proliferation and circulation of illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) across Nigeria.
A statement signed by Captain Mohammed Goni, acting military information officer headquarters joint task force north east operation hadin Kai Maiduguri said the call was conveyed by the North East Zonal Director of NCCSALW, Major General Abubakar Adamu (Rtd), who represented the DG during a high-level meeting at Headquarters OPHK in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Wednesday, 17 June 2026.
During the visit, Major General Adamu commended the Theatre Command for the unwavering commitment, operational successes, and sustained efforts in the recovery, seizure, and management of illicit arms and ammunition within the North East Theatre of Operations. He noted that the visit was aimed at strengthening the existing cordial relationship between NCCSALW and OPHK, while deepening institutional collaboration towards addressing the security challenges associated with the proliferation of unauthorized firearms, particularly in the North East region.
The Zonal Director further highlighted that the mandate of NCCSALW was anchored on the prevention, control, and elimination of the illicit proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons through effective coordination with relevant national and international stakeholders, including the Armed Forces of Nigeria. He added that the Centre remains the legally designated institution responsible for the collection, management, and destruction of recovered illicit arms in line with its statutory responsibilities and globally accepted best practices.
In addition, Major General Adamu appealed to Defence Headquarters to sustain ongoing sensitization efforts across military formations to ensure that recovered illicit weapons are properly documented and handed over to NCCSALW for necessary action in accordance with established legal frameworks. According to him, such measures would enhance accountability, strengthen arms control mechanisms, and contribute significantly to national security efforts.
Responding, the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, described the engagement as timely and significant, while commending NCCSALW for its critical role in preventing the proliferation of illicit arms and enhancing security across the country. He also acknowledged the professional competence and leadership qualities of the Director General of NCCSALW, noting that his extensive experience in arms control, weapons management, and intelligence operations would further contribute to addressing the evolving challenges associated with the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons.
Major General Abubakar observed that the changing dynamics of insecurity across the country have continued to create conditions that facilitate the movement and circulation of illicit arms. He, however, expressed confidence that the enormous responsibilities before NCCSALW remain achievable through sustained collaboration, synergy, and collective commitment among all relevant stakeholders. He further disclosed that between January and June 2026, Operation HADIN KAI recovered substantial quantities of Small Arms and Light Weapons through its sustained kinetic and non-kinetic operations against terrorist elements.
The Theatre Commander reaffirmed the commitment of Headquarters OPHK to maintaining close cooperation with NCCSALW and other relevant agencies in combating the possession, movement, and use of unauthorized firearms, while supporting efforts aimed at restoring enduring peace, security, and stability in Borno State and the wider North East region. The engagement was attended by the Deputy Theatre Commander, Air Vice Marshal Akinboyewa Olusola, Component Commanders, and Principal Staff Officers of Headquarters OPHK, and concluded with a facility tour, the signing of the visitors’ register, and a group photograph, marking another milestone in the growing partnership between NCCSALW and Operation HADIN KAI in strengthening national security efforts.
