BY ADEYEMI AKANJI, BAUCHI – As a means of strengthening the fight against the use of illicit arms and ammunition in the Northeast geo-political zone, the Borno State judicial arm of government, has pledged its commitment towards partnering with the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) under the Office of the National Security Adviser to
The Chief Judge of the State, Justice Kashim Zannah, who gave the assurance at 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, assured of the support of the judiciary to the national effort in controlling the spread of illicit arms and ammunition in the state.
Zannah urged stakeholders to enlighten the youth in every community to reject violence and 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.
Zannah also assured the Centre of the co-operation of Judges and Magistrates under his jurisdiction and pledged of the judiciary’s continued support to the NCCSALW in the discharge of its statutory mandate in accordance with the law.
Speaking in turn, Major-General Abubakar Adamu (retd), who is the Northeast Zonal Director of NCCSALW assured of the centre’s readiness to tackle the problem of arms proliferation in the region in collaboration with stakeholders in the region.
Adamu noted that 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 which he said was instructive at this crucial time.
He therefore 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.
A similar workshop was organized by the centre in Yobe state on Thursday where the Director, Public Prosecution of the state’s Ministry of Justice, Mr. Abdullahi Yusuf, said the 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.
