Unchecked Small Arms Proliferation Threatens Peace, WAANSA Nigeria Elects New President

Unchecked Small Arms Proliferation Threatens Peace, WAANSA Nigeria Elects New President

Princess-Ekwi Ajide

When the proliferation of small arms goes unchecked, peace becomes increasingly elusive, human lives lose value, and national development suffers.

That was the central message from security experts and peace advocates at the General Meeting of the West African Action Network on Small Arms (WAANSA) Nigeria in Abuja, where delegates also elected new executive members with Jamila Abubakar of the NTA Kaduna Network Centre as its new President.

The newly elected executive will steer the affairs of WAANSA Nigeria for the next three years, leading advocacy efforts to curb the illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons while promoting peace and security across the country.

Earlier, the First Regional Vice President of WAANSA, Martin Igwe, announced plans to intensify grassroots campaigns on the dangers of the dual use of fertiliser, warning that while fertilisers are primarily intended for agriculture, they are increasingly being diverted by criminal elements to manufacture improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

He said the organisation would embark on nationwide sensitisation programmes to educate farmers and communities on the proper use of fertiliser, noting that the initiative would not only help curb insecurity but also boost agricultural productivity, improve food security, create jobs for young people and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Igwe commended the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) for its unwavering support to WAANSA’s peace and security initiatives, describing the association as a dependable partner in public awareness campaigns across the country.

He added that some aspects of the organisation’s work involve sensitive security collaborations with government agencies, making discretion essential in communicating certain operational details.

Speaking on the leadership transition, Igwe expressed confidence that the emergence of a new executive would consolidate the gains recorded over the past six years and strengthen the organisation’s unity and effectiveness.

The immediate past President of WAANSA Nigeria, Temitope Lamidi, reflected on the sacrifices made by members in advancing advocacy against illicit arms proliferation, including sustained campaigns that contributed to the establishment of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons.

In her acceptance speech, the newly elected President, Jamila Abubakar, pledged to uphold the ideals of WAANSA Nigeria and work closely with security agencies and stakeholders to address the country’s security challenges through advocacy, collaboration and community engagement.

She reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at reducing armed violence and fostering a safer and more peaceful Nigeria.

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