HALO Trust Calls For Tighter Arms Control To Curb Terrorism, Crime In Nigeria
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
The diversion and poor management of weapons, ammunition and explosive materials pose a serious security risk, requiring stronger stockpile controls, border monitoring and institutional capacity across Nigeria, the HALO Trust has warned.
Country Operations Manager of HALO Trust Nigeria, Jacob Nyaga Mundia, gave the warning while speaking at an event marking the International Day of Peace organised by the West Africa Action Network on Small Arms, WAANSA.
Mundia said responsible management of weapons and ammunition was critical to preventing illicit proliferation, theft, loss and diversion, which could fuel terrorism, organised crime and instability.
He said HALO Trust had been working in Nigeria since September 2022 to strengthen the safe storage and management of arms, ammunition and explosive ordnance in partnership with arms-bearing security agencies and under the coordination of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW).
According to him, the organisation’s programme focuses on assessment and planning, physical security and stockpile management, weapons and ammunition management training, capacity development, and policy and sustainability.
Mundia said HALO Trust was also involved in victim assistance programmes for survivors of explosive incidents and armed violence, as well as Explosive Ordnance Risk Education to help communities identify and avoid explosive hazards.
On the misuse of fertiliser, he called for stronger border controls and monitoring of dual-use materials, warning that fertiliser diverted to non-state actors could be used in the manufacture of improvised explosive devices.
He also stressed the need to involve women and young people in peace and security efforts, noting that HALO Trust was training both groups in weapons and ammunition management and explosive ordnance risk education.
Mundia said lasting peace required more than the absence of gunfire, but systems capable of preventing weapons from falling into the wrong hands while strengthening justice, security and opportunities for vulnerable communities.
HALO Trust, he added, would continue working with WAANSA, ECOWAS and other partners towards safer communities and stronger weapons-management systems across Africa.
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