The South-South Zonal Office of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, NCCSALW, has intensified efforts to curb the spread of illicit firearms by strengthening collaboration with transport unions in Calabar.
At a sensitisation session held on Wednesday, drivers and transport union leaders were urged to work closely with the Centre to prevent illegal arms from being conveyed through the transport system, a move aimed at enhancing public safety and community security.
Speaking at the session, South-South Zonal Coordinator, Dr. Alex Inemah Ebimiebo, described transport operators as critical partners in tackling insecurity, noting that the engagement was designed to deepen awareness and operational cooperation.
“Transporters are indispensable stakeholders in the fight against illegal arms movement,” he said.
Ebimiebo explained that the Centre, established on May 3, 2021 under Article 24 of the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons, operates under the Office of the National Security Adviser, with headquarters in Abuja and six zonal offices nationwide, including the South-South hub in Calabar.
He noted that the proliferation of small arms remains a major driver of insecurity worldwide.
According to him, most violent crimes — including terrorism, armed robbery and communal conflicts — are sustained by the availability of firearms.
Describing arms proliferation as a global challenge, he stressed that countries across the world are adopting deliberate control measures to limit access to illegal weapons and reduce violence.
Educating participants on the nature of illicit arms, Ebimiebo listed weapons such as AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, pistols and locally fabricated firearms, explaining that any weapon not obtained through authorised channels remains illegal.
He added that possession of firearms in Nigeria requires police licensing, while ammunition constitutes a critical component of the proliferation threat.
He cautioned transporters against accepting suspicious luggage or inducements from passengers seeking to avoid inspection.
“Anyone discouraging you from checking luggage or offering extra payment should raise concern. Reject inducements and protect both yourself and society,” he warned.
Also speaking, Zonal Legal Adviser, Barr. Endurance Asim-Ita, warned drivers of the legal implications of conveying passengers found with illegal arms, stressing that both vehicle owners and drivers could face prosecution.
She emphasised that ignorance of the law does not absolve anyone of liability.
Asim-Ita further urged transport companies to institutionalise strict compliance measures, including mandatory luggage checks and enforceable internal security policies to prevent operators from unknowingly aiding criminal activities.
Representatives of transport operators, including Mr. Ikechi Emmanuel of Cross Lines Company Limited, commended the initiative, noting that registered transport firms already maintain structured screening procedures, while unregistered operators pose greater security risks due to weak compliance.
Participants, including officials of Akwa Ibom Transport Company and the Unified Transport Union, Calabar, shared operational experiences and proposed practical measures to strengthen cooperation between transporters, security agencies and regulators in curbing the movement of illegal arms across the region.
Centre partners transporters to check arms proliferation
