By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
The National Center for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), North East Zonal Center (NEZC), has organised a specialized one-day workshop/training for members of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) in the Zone.
This event, Titled ‘Strategic Engagement: Train the Trainers,’ held in Maiduguri on Tuesday, aimed to equip NYSC Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Community Development Service (CDS) members with the tools needed to lead efforts for the fight against the proliferation of small arms and light weapons across North-East subregion of Nigeria.
According to the North-East Zonal Coordinator of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Rear Admiral S.A Mohammed retired, the training is aimed at equipping the Corps members with the necessary skills and knowledge, to address the challenges posed, in their respective Places of Primary Assignment and communities.
Represented by the Zonal Arms Registrar, Colonel Sa’ad Ahmad retired, the Zonal Coordinator said that the proliferation of small arms and light weapons has devastating effects on the society; from fueling violent conflicts, to undermining society’s hard-won peace.
He added that it is imperative that awareness be created, as well as to develop effective strategies to mitigate the risks.
S. A Mohammed stressed that the training is coming at a time when the issues surrounding small arms and light weapons management, are more critical than ever, especially in Nigeria’s North East subregion.
The workshop focused on training these Corps members to be advocates and educators within their communities, stressing the impact of illegal arms on regional security.
Through interactive sessions and expert guidance, NYSC members gained insight into the strategies needed to foster peace and security and combat the dangers of illicit small arms and light weapons proliferation.
The Corps members also shared their thoughts on the training as Mercy Daniel and Longret Andrew said that the training was mind reawakening and were urged to carry the lessons learned, to the communities they serve, and become champions of an illicit arms-free society.
Officials at the NCCSALW underscored the critical role of community awareness in this initiative, aiming to amplify its impact by empowering Corp members as ambassadors for change.
As the training wrapped up, participants expressed a renewed commitment to working with their communities toward a safer, more secure North East and Nigeria at large.
The training was jointly facilitated by the North-East Zonal Coordinator, Rear Admiral S.A Mohammed (retired) and
North East Zonal Arms Registrar,
Colonel Sa’ad Ahmad (Retired).
