Reps raise concern over proliferation of small arms, light weapons

The House of Representatives has expressed concerns over the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the country.

The chairman, House Committee on Small and Light Weapons , Aliyu Bappa Misau, said the development was fueling violence and instability in the communities, as well as causing humanitarian issues.

Misau,who stated this during an oversight visit by the committee to the Defence Headquarters, in Abuja, on Tuesday, said there is need for the military and parliament to work together to address the menace.

The lawmaker, while affirming the commitment of his committee to taking measures to tackle the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the country, also said there was need to explore international collaboration to combat the menace.

According to him, “our committee is dedicated to addressing the pressing issue of small arms proliferation in our beloved country Nigeria. As we are all aware, 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. By pooling our resources, expertise, and knowledge, we can develop innovative solutions to the problems posed by small arms and light weapons.”

Misau added that “the global nature of arms trafficking necessitates that we work hand in hand with other nations to secure our porous border and organizations to combat this issue. By aligning our efforts with international standards and best practices, we can strengthen our resolve and effectiveness.”

The Chief of Defence Staff ( CDS), General Christopher Musa, in his response, observed that the nature of Nigeria’s borders was a factor in the security challenges confronting the country.

Musa, who was represented by the Chief of Policy, Defense Headquarters, Air vice Marshall Sayo Olatunde, said there was need to fence the countries borders.

He said “we need to address our problems from the root. Yes we have to fence our borders. Porous borders is one of the critical drivers of insecurity in Nigeria. We have neighbours and countries that are not stable around Nigeria”.