NCCSALW Boosts Collaboration with Transport Unions to Tackle Illicit Firearms
By Ebi COLLINS
The South-South Zonal Office of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) has intensified its efforts to stem the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons by strengthening partnerships with transport unions in Calabar.
At a strategic sensitization session on Wednesday, drivers and union leaders were urged to cooperate closely with the Centre to prevent the movement of illegal arms, a measure aimed at enhancing both public safety and community security.
Speaking to participants, South-South Zonal Coordinator Dr. Alex Inemah Ebimiebo described transport operators as vital allies in Nigeria’s fight against insecurity. “Transporters are critical stakeholders that we need to work with. That is why we are here,” he said, noting that the session sought to raise awareness and reinforce collaboration in curbing the circulation of illegal firearms.
Dr. Ebimiebo explained that the Centre was established on May 3, 2021, under Article 24 of the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons and operates under the Office of the National Security Adviser. With its headquarters in Abuja and six zonal offices nationwide, he noted that the Calabar office serves as the South-South regional hub.
Highlighting the rationale for the Centre’s creation, he said, “Without small arms, insecurity would not have been this widespread. You cannot carry out terrorism, armed robbery, or violent conflict with bare hands; the main instrument is the gun.”
He added that the threat of illicit arms is not limited to Nigeria. “This is a global concern. Wherever mass violence or conflict occurs, firearms are involved. That is why nations are taking deliberate steps to control arms proliferation,” he said.
Dr. Ebimiebo educated participants on the types of small arms and light weapons, including AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, pistols, and locally fabricated firearms. “Illicit arms are weapons not obtained from authorized sources. In Nigeria, you must have a valid police license to possess a firearm,” he explained. He also emphasized that firearms without ammunition are ineffective, making bullets and cartridges part of the proliferation problem.
He expressed concern over the growing familiarity with firearms among non-security personnel and urged vigilance among transporters, particularly when passengers offer inducements. “If someone is unusually eager to pay and discourages you from checking their luggage, be suspicious. Reject any form of inducement. By doing so, you protect yourself and society,” he warned.
Reinforcing the legal perspective, Zonal Legal Adviser Barr. Endurance Asim-Ita cautioned drivers on the consequences of transporting armed passengers. “If a passenger in your vehicle is found with illegal weapons, it is not only the park owner who will be charged; the driver will also face prosecution,” she said.
“Ignorance is not an excuse,” she added. “The law recognizes different parties to a crime — the person who commits it and the person who assists, knowingly or unknowingly. You may still be required to appear in court and defend yourself.” She urged operators to protect their future by refusing to be used as channels for illegal arms.
Barr. Asim-Ita also called on transport companies to institutionalize strict compliance measures. “Management must have clear policies to ensure that luggage and parcels are properly checked. No one should go to prison because something was not verified,” she advised.
Supporting the initiative, Mr. Ikechi Emmanuel of Cross Lines Company Limited welcomed the sensitization drive and affirmed that registered transport companies already enforce structured security protocols. “Registered companies generally comply with security checks. The real risk comes from unregistered operators who pay little attention to screening passengers and luggage,” he said, adding that his company mandates luggage inspections and deploys enforcement officers during high-risk periods.
In their remarks, John Idorenyin of Akwa Ibom Transport Company and Ekpenyong Edet of the Unified Transport Union, Calabar, shared firsthand experiences from daily operations. They raised practical questions and suggestions aimed at helping transport companies strengthen security measures and curb illegal arms movement, highlighting the need for continuous collaboration between transport operators, security agencies, and regulatory authorities to ensure safer travel nationwide.
