NSVC Seeks Stronger Partnership with NCCSALW To Curb Illicit Arms Proliferation in Niger State

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BY UTHMAN BABA-NASEER,MINNA

The Niger State Vigilante Corps (NSVC) has taken a significant step toward strengthening security in the state with a courtesy visit to the North Central Zonal Office of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) in Minna, aimed at deepening collaboration against the spread of illicit arms.

The visit was led by the Commander of the NSVC Nasir   Mohammed Manta (Maradona), accompanied by a 30-member delegation drawn from the state’s 23 Local Government Areas, including the North Central Vigilante Corps Commander, Alhaji Salihu Yaro. 

The delegation was warmly received by the NCCSALW Zonal Director, Abdul Adamu Enenche, DDGSS (Rtd), fsi, PhD, alongside members of his management team.

Speaking during the engagement, the NSVC Commander said the visit was designed to establish a strong working partnership with the NCCSALW to enhance joint efforts in tackling prevailing security challenges in Niger State. 

He noted that NSVC operatives have benefited from government-funded training on weapon-handling techniques, which has improved their operational capacity in the fight against banditry and other security threats.

According to him, the collaboration would harness the Corps’ grassroots presence and deep local knowledge to curb the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

In his remarks, the Zonal Director, Abdul Adamu Enenche, underscored the critical role the NSVC could play, if properly coordinated, in controlling the spread of illicit arms in the state. He warned that the unchecked circulation of illegal weapons poses serious threats to economic development and social cohesion.

Enenche explained that the NCCSALW was established by the President to regulate, control, and manage small arms and light weapons across Nigeria, stressing the importance of synergy with community-based security groups such as the NSVC.

He called for robust intelligence sharing, including information on illicit arms routes, individuals or groups in possession of illegal firearms, and the promotion of voluntary surrender of weapons without indictment.

Enenche further urged the Corps to provide timely and credible intelligence on potential security threats and youths involved in illegal arms activities.

The NCCSALW Zonal Director also assured the NSVC of the Centre’s commitment to monitoring weapons and ammunition under its mandate, emphasizing the need for careful handling, accountability, and regular reporting.

At the end of the meeting, both parties expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the engagement and pledged to strengthen intelligence sharing and cooperation, reaffirming their collective resolve to eradicate the proliferation of illicit arms in Niger State.