The Anambra State Government has pledged to strengthen collaboration with the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) to tackle the illegal acquisition and proliferation of firearms in the state.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo made the commitment when a delegation of the NCCSALW South-East Zonal Office, led by its Director, Captain Chris Anushiem, paid a courtesy visit to the Anambra State Government House in Awka.
The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, said security remains a major priority of his administration, stressing that the government would continue to work closely with security agencies and relevant institutions to protect lives and property.
Soludo expressed optimism that closer collaboration with the NCCSALW would strengthen the state’s security architecture and assist efforts to prevent the circulation of illegal firearms and other small arms and light weapons.
He assured the delegation of the state government’s support and cooperation to enable the centre effectively carry out its mandate in Anambra.
Earlier, the South-East Zonal Director of NCCSALW, Captain Chris Anushiem, said the centre was established in July 2024 to coordinate the registration, control and management of small arms and light weapons across the country.
Anushiem called for stronger cooperation between the centre and the Anambra State Government, noting that effective collaboration among relevant authorities was essential to addressing the proliferation of illegal firearms and enhancing security across the state.
The partnership is expected to contribute to efforts aimed at reducing the circulation of illicit weapons and strengthening public safety in Anambra State.
