Combating Banditry and Arms Proliferation: NPS and Centre Join Forces

The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms collaborates with the National Park Service to combat banditry and arms proliferation in Nigeria’s parks, focusing on capacity-building and intelligence sharing. The partnership aims to enhance security measures and address various criminal threats, requiring modern equipment and a review of relevant laws.

The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons has pledged collaboration with the National Park Service (NPS) to address banditry and other criminal activities within Nigeria’s parks. This commitment was reiterated by Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Johnson Kokumo during his recent visit to the NPS in Abuja, where he emphasized the need for partnership in combating crime and controlling the proliferation of small arms.

DIG Kokumo highlighted the vulnerabilities associated with Nigeria’s borders, particularly regarding illicit arms and ammunition trafficking. He noted that forest routes have been identified as significant channels for arms proliferation. Furthermore, he expressed assurances of support for the NPS through capacity-building initiatives and intelligence sharing to effectively counter such criminal activities.

In response, Dr. Ibrahim Goni, the Conservator-General of the NPS, expressed support for the partnership. He underscored the diverse security threats faced by national parks, including banditry, poaching, and illegal logging, and pointed out the increasing sophistication of loggers, often equipped with weapons. He called for the provision of modern patrol equipment and advanced weaponry to enhance the NPS’s operational effectiveness against such challenges.

Dr. Goni further emphasized the necessity for a review of the National Park Act to strengthen security measures within the parks, committing the NPS to collaborative efforts in capacity-building with the Centre. This partnership aims to ensure a concerted approach towards enhancing security and safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s national parks against various threats.

In summary, the partnership between the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and the National Park Service aims to combat banditry and arms proliferation impacting Nigeria’s parks. Both parties are committed to capacity-building and intelligence sharing to tackle criminal activities effectively. The initiative highlights the need for advanced equipment and legislative support to address the pressing security challenges faced by Nigeria’s national parks.

Original Source: nannews.ng