FG warns of worsening arms proliferation as Boko Haram kills 20 soldiers in Borno
About 20 soldiers have been reportedly killed as Islamic State fighters in the North attacked a military camp in Borno State, throwing Governor Babagana Zulum into mourning.
Following attacks on security agents in the country, the Director-General of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), DIG Johnson Kokumo (rtd), reiterated the commitment of the centre to stop the proliferation of illicit arms and ammunition in the country.
According to military sources, Islamic State fighters attacked the Nigerian Army camp in the town of Kareto in Borno on Saturday, noting that although there was no official confirmation of the casualty figures, about 20 soldiers were killed.
The sources added that the violent clashes erupted between the fighters and armed forces, including a suicide bomber in a car. They explained that the attack led to the destruction of a military vehicle, indicating that the fighters took control of the camp and burned it alongside 14 automobiles.
Meanwhile, Zulum has commiserated with the military over the death of soldiers in Kareto. In a statement by the Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Prof Usman Tar, the governor said the attack reminded the state of the callousness of the deadly Boko Haram terrorists.
Zulum condemned the attack and reaffirmed the loyalty, commitment and commiseration with the armed forces and the families of the victims. He said: “On behalf of the government and good people of Borno, I convey our heartfelt condolences to the armed forces and families of the deceased over the demise of our fellow compatriots. May Allah rest their souls and grant fortitude to the affected families.”
KOKUMO, during a familiarisation visit to the South West Zonal Office of NCCSALW in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, yesterday, affirmed that the proliferation of arms contributed to the country’s insecurity. He explained that the NCCSALW Act 2024 gave the centre the power to control the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the country.
The DG further noted that the centre collaborated with other security agencies to ensure that the country was rid of illicit arms and ammunition; hence, he called for the support of relevant stakeholders.He added, “The fight against the proliferation of illicit arms and ammunition remains one that we will fight and win. No stone should be left unturned. We are not resting to ensure that we have an illicit arms-free Nigeria.
“The centre remains the sole agency of government charged with such responsibility. It is doing this in collaboration with other security agencies of government that rid the Nigerian society of the proliferation of illicit arms. That is exemplified in what transpired between the centre and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) where 844 assorted weapons and rifles were intercepted at Onne Port and handed over to the centre. The criminal elements, who brought them in, have been arrested, investigated and undergoing prosecution.”
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