FG worries over small arms becoming weapons of mass destruction

The Federal Government has expressed worry that small arms are slowly becoming weapons of mass destruction.

It said proliferation of small arms had caused tremendous harm to communities and individuals, especially women and children.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, said this in Abuja at a two-day multilateral meeting with stakeholders of the Lake Chad Basin region.

The theme of the meeting was ‘Cubing Proliferation of SALW in the Lake Chad Basin Region’.

It was organised by the National Centre for the Control of SALW, Office of the National Security Adviser. Representatives of the three other countries of Lake Chad Basin Region including Cameroon, Niger and Chad attended the meeting.

Mustapha said, “The proliferation of small arms in the lake Chad Basin is a major security concern that has far-reaching consequences for the region.

“It has contributed to the escalation of conflict and violence and has impeded the economic and social development of the countries in the region.

“It is, therefore, imperative that we work together to curb the proliferation of small arms in the Lake Chad Basin region.”

He said countries in Lake Chad Basin region should establish an enduring network and synergy to stem proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in the region.

“If we must put an end to the senseless and mindless violence of Boko Haram and other violence mongers that are widespread in the region,” he said.