Traditional rulers key to small arms mop-up in Borno – Centre

 

The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons,has reiterated the importance of traditional rulers in mopping small arms in Borno State.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, this was stated by the North East Zonal Coordinator of the agency, Rear Admiral Abdulrahim Mohammed rtd, during a visit to the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Garbai Elkanemi at his Palace in Maiduguri.

According to him, the active participation of the traditional institution in advocacy programs, will help reduce illegal possession of small arms and light weapons in the region devastated by Boko Haram insurgency.

He said that the traditional institution is an important part of the campaign because it protects culture and leads the way toward a peaceful and violence-free society.

“The Centre will be interacting with the traditional institution in the area of advocacy periodically and also acknowledge the support of the Emirate that has led to success recorded in the fight against insurgency “ He said.

In his response, Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Elkanemi, praised the Federal government for creating the institution in Maiduguri, stating that it will reduce the threat of insecurity and the spread of small arms and light weapons in the region.

He asserted that the elimination of small arms and light weapons in the hands of terrorists and non-state actors will consolidate and prolong the peace that has already been achieved.