The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), in collaboration with its technical partner, the Mines Advisory Group (MAG), has commenced a seven-day Weapons Marking Course at the AG Okunola Hall, Army War College Nigeria, Asokoro, Abuja. The training, which runs from March 3 to March 7, 2025, is aimed at enhancing the capacity of security personnel in weapons marking to curb the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria.

In his opening remarks, the Director General of NCCSALW, Deputy Inspector General of Police JB Kokumo (rtd), emphasized the importance of the course in strengthening arms control measures in line with Article 18 of the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons. He noted that the training will equip personnel from the National Centre, the Armed Forces, and other arms-bearing security agencies with the skills necessary for effective weapons marking and record-keeping.

“The Weapons Marking Course is designed to build the capacity of our personnel and security agencies to meet international standards in arms control. This is a crucial step in preventing and controlling the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria,” DIG Kokumo stated.

He expressed appreciation to MAG for its continued support in resource coordination and urged other agencies to adopt similar strategies to enhance national arms control efforts. The National Centre, he revealed, is working with its partners to acquire more weapons marking machines to fast-track the program across the country.

While congratulating the participants, DIG Kokumo encouraged them to make maximum use of the opportunity, as the training would further consolidate their expertise in weapons marking. He reaffirmed the commitment of NCCSALW to ensuring a safer Nigeria by tackling arms proliferation.

Earlier, the Director of Policy and Plans, NCCSALW, Major General BA Alabi, in his welcome address urged the participants to take full advantage of the training, actively engage in discussions, and apply the knowledge gained in their respective agencies.

Speaking on behalf of the Mines Advisory Group (MAG), Mr. Jerome Gongotchame highlighted the organization’s long-standing commitment to conflict prevention and violence reduction in West Africa. “MAG has been actively working in West Africa for over a decade and in Nigeria since 2016. Our mission is to prevent and reduce the harmful impact of armed violence on communities. Securing weapons and ammunition is critical, but we must also invest in capacity building for security personnel. We are delighted to be working with NCCSALW to advance this mission in 2025,” he said.

The Weapons Marking Course forms part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to comply with regional and international arms control regulations, ensuring accountability in arms management and reducing the circulation of illicit weapons.