The National Youth Council Coalition of Nigeria (NYCCN) has honoured the Zonal Director of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), Dr. Abdul Adamu Eneche, for his outstanding contributions to national security, peace building, institutional leadership and youth protection.
The honour was presented during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the NYCCN, where the Council also reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the Centre in tackling the spread of illicit small arms and light weapons across Nigeria.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Eneche commended the Council for its continued efforts in promoting peace, unity and youth development across the 19 Northern states. He explained that the NCCSALW was established by an Executive Order in 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari and later backed by law in 2024 after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the Act establishing the Centre.
According to him, the Centre is responsible for coordinating and controlling the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons in Nigeria. He stressed that the fight against illegal weapons requires the collective efforts of government agencies, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, community leaders and the youth.
Dr. Eneche identified the major causes of insecurity to include porous borders, illegal local production of firearms by some blacksmiths and the involvement of a few compromised security personnel. He also expressed concern over the use of unsuspecting women to transport illegal weapons.
He said the Centre is intensifying public awareness campaigns, intelligence gathering, stakeholder engagement and collaboration with security agencies to reduce the circulation of illegal arms. He added that all recovered weapons are destroyed in line with international best practices and in the presence of relevant stakeholders to ensure transparency.
The Zonal Director called on the NYCCN to continue educating young people on the dangers of illegal arms, noting that youths have a vital role to play in building peaceful and secure communities. He assured the Council of the Centre's readiness to strengthen collaboration on peace building initiatives.
Responding, the President of the NYCCN, Waziri, thanked Dr. Eneche for the warm reception and valuable enlightenment. He said the visit had strengthened cooperation between the Council and the NCCSALW in promoting public awareness, youth engagement and community participation against the proliferation of illegal arms.
Waziri described the NYCCN as the umbrella body representing youths across the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory. He said the organisation remains committed to youth empowerment, peace building, good governance, education, economic development and national unity.
He reaffirmed the Council's readiness to work with the NCCSALW to promote awareness campaigns, encourage compliance with relevant laws and mobilise young people as ambassadors of peace.
In recognition of his outstanding service, the NYCCN conferred on Dr. Eneche the Sir Ahmadu Bello Platinum Award, the traditional title of "Garkuwan Matasan Arewa" (Shield of Northern Youths), as well as the titles of Icon and Cynosure of Societal Transformation.
Presenting the awards, Waziri said the honours were approved during the 14th National Congress of the Council after a thorough assessment of distinguished public servants whose contributions have greatly advanced peace, security and development in Northern Nigeria and the country at large.
The event ended with a conference session, presentation of awards and a group photograph.
