The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons is partnering with the NPS to address banditry and arms proliferation in Nigerian parks. DIG Johnson Kokumo emphasized the need for collaboration and intelligence sharing, while Dr. Ibrahim Goni highlighted specific security challenges, advocating for enhanced support and legislative reforms for improved park security.
The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons is collaborating with the National Park Service (NPS) to combat banditry and crime in Nigeria’s parks. During a recent visit to the NPS in Abuja, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Johnson Kokumo emphasized the need for joint efforts in addressing these issues while managing the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.
Kokumo noted that Nigeria’s porous borders facilitate the illicit entry of arms and ammunition, with forest routes identified as significant channels for this proliferation. He indicated the importance of collaboration for capacity-building and intelligence sharing to effectively confront these challenges.
Dr. Ibrahim Goni, the Conservator-General of the NPS, welcomed this partnership, expressing concern about the increasing security challenges, such as banditry, illegal logging, poaching, and mining. He highlighted the sophistication of loggers and their access to weapons, prompting a call for modern patrol equipment and advanced weaponry to bolster park security.
Furthermore, Goni suggested that a review of the National Park Act is necessary to enhance security measures within the parks, assuring the NPS’s commitment to work alongside the Centre in capacity-building initiatives against these threats.
The partnership between the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons and the National Park Service aims to address the rising concerns of banditry and arms proliferation in Nigeria’s parks. This initiative highlights the need for modern security solutions and legislative support to enhance park safety and combat criminal activities effectively.
Original Source: nannews.ng
