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ABUJA, Nigeria - The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons has reiterated its dedication to collaborating with the National Park Service (NPS) to address banditry and other criminal acts within Nigeria’s parks.
The Centre’s Coordinator, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Johnson Kokumo (retired), conveyed this message during a visit to the NPS in Abuja on Thursday.
“Our goal is to seek your understanding, support, and partnership. We intend to pinpoint areas where we can jointly combat criminal elements. Additionally, we aim to address the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.
“Our borders are vulnerable, permitting the illicit entry of arms and ammunition into Nigeria. We have recognized these forest routes as significant channels for this proliferation,” Kokumo stated.
He acknowledged the contribution of the NPS in combating criminal activities and assured the agency of collaborative efforts in capacity-building and intelligence sharing.
Ibrahim Goni, the Conservator-General (C-G) of the NPS, welcomed the partnership, emphasizing the various security challenges that the parks encounter.
He expressed concerns regarding banditry, insurgency, illegal logging, poaching, and mining, noting that “loggers are becoming more sophisticated and are armed.”
The C-G called for the Centre to assist the NPS with modern patrol equipment, detectors, and advanced weaponry to effectively counter these threats.
Goni also committed to cooperating with the Centre in capacity-building initiatives and advocated for a review of the National Park Act to enhance park security.
