The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons is partnering with the National Park Service to combat banditry and arms proliferation in Nigeria’s parks, as highlighted by DIG Johnson Kokumo and Dr. Ibrahim Goni, Conservator-General of the NPS. The partnership focuses on intelligence sharing and improving park security through modern equipment.
The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons is committed to collaborating with the National Park Service (NPS) to address banditry and other criminal activities within Nigeria’s parks. This partnership was highlighted by Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Johnson Kokumo, the Centre’s Coordinator, during his recent visit to the NPS in Abuja.
DIG Kokumo emphasized the need for understanding, support, and collaboration, aiming to pinpoint areas for joint action against criminal elements. He acknowledged that Nigeria’s porous borders facilitate the influx of illicit arms and ammunition, with forest routes identified as significant channels for proliferation.
Dr. Ibrahim Goni, Conservator-General of the NPS, welcomed the partnership, stressing the numerous security challenges faced in national parks, including banditry, insurgency, illegal logging, poaching, and mining. He noted the increasing sophistication of loggers who are now equipped with weapons.
Goni requested the Centre’s support in providing modern patrol equipment and advanced weaponry to effectively combat these threats. He also pledged the NPS’s commitment to this collaboration and suggested reviewing the National Park Act to enhance security in the parks.
The collaboration between the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons and the National Park Service is a significant step towards addressing the growing threats of banditry and arms proliferation in Nigeria’s national parks. With a focus on intelligence sharing and capacity-building, the partnership aims to strengthen security measures against various criminal activities affecting these vital landscapes.
Original Source: nannews.ng
