The Heads of the National Commissions for the Fight against the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (COMNAT-ALPC) from ECOWAS Member States convened in Abuja from October 29 to 31, 2024. The gathering was part of the annual coordination meeting focused on "Combating improvised explosive devices, promoting the management of SALW and regulating artisanal weapons production in the ECOWAS region."
The primary aim was to identify, exchange, and integrate national priorities into regional strategies to tackle issues related to improvised explosive devices (IEDs), artisanal weapon production, and enhance the physical security and management (PSSM) of national weapon stocks.
Delegates included representatives from National Commissions across ECOWAS Member States, experts in explosive device neutralization (EOD), and partner organizations involved with SALW control at the ECOWAS Commission.
Major General Abdul Khalifah Ibrahim, Deputy Director General of Nigeria's National Centre for Small Arms and Light Weapons Control, emphasized ongoing legislative efforts and NATCOMS' role in weapons destruction. He called for continued synergy among Member States, partners, and the ECOWAS Commission.
Dr. Cyriaque AGNEKETHOM, Director of Regional Peacekeeping and Security, representing Amb. Abdel-Fatau Musa, PhD., opened the meeting by welcoming participants on behalf of ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security. He praised collective efforts to curb weapon proliferation and highlighted collaboration's importance between partners and Member States.
Mr. Johnson Babatunde Kokumo, Deputy Inspector General of Police RTD from Nigeria's government, acknowledged NATCOMs' critical role in promoting peace within ECOWAS. He underlined the strategic value of these meetings for technical networking among Member States to bolster regional security frameworks.
He also underscored enhanced coordination's necessity among Member States to effectively address rising violence levels in the region.
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