The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has requested the federal government to look into curbing arms proliferation in Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement released on Tuesday by the executive director of CISLAC, Auwal Ibrahim.
Ibrahim blamed the recent nationwide attacks on communities and security agencies on illegal possession of light weapons.
While highlighting the recent spate of attacks nationwide, Ibrahim said insecurity in Nigeria makes it easy for small arms to circulate through theft or re-sale.
The director advised government at all levels to improve on the use of surveillance and intelligence gathering.
“Nigeria has experienced rising levels of gunmen attacks nationwide. For instance, on the 19th of April, 2021, multiple gun violence was recorded across several states. The trend affirms the report of small arms and light weapons (SALWs) proliferation and the continued de-monopolisation of the instrument of violence from the hands of the state,” he said.
“Non-state armed groups’ menace has worsened in the face of overwhelmed security operatives and porous border challenges. New vistas of violence have also emerged to exacerbate the security crisis.
“There is a need for concerted and collective efforts among stakeholders at all levels of the society to curtail illicit SALWs proliferation. Hence, capacities of stakeholders should be enhanced for effective implementation of result-oriented programmes and the formulation of evidence-based policies.
“There is a need for interventions at the national, state, and local levels to be strengthened and promote peaceful coexistence amongst the diverse ethnoreligious and political groups in Nigeria.”
Ibrahim also expressed condolences to all security agencies who have lost personnel, and have been victims of attacks.
“Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre stands with the entire security agencies across the country and expresses deep sadness over those whose lives have suffered fatalities in the line of duty,” he said.