Niger: Gov Bago backs fight against proliferation of small arms

Governor Umar Bago says his administration will continue to support the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons in achieving its mandate to stop the proliferation of arms.

This was disclosed in a statement on Tuesday by Bologi Ibrahim, the governor’s spokesman, who said Mr Bago reaffirmed this when he received the agency in Minna.

Mr Bago, represented by the secretary to the state government, Abubakar Usman, commended the collaborative efforts between the centre and the Niger government since the establishment of its zonal office in Minna.

“The fight against the menace of arms proliferation will not be left alone in the hands of the centre as the state government will provide all the necessary tools needed to succeed,” he said.

According to him, the state faces not only security challenges, including banditry, but also other social vices that have become a threat to society.

The governor urged the state Ministry of Lands to work out modalities for providing suitable land for the centre to establish its state office.

The director-general of the centre, Johnson Kokumo, commended the governor for his tremendous support in helping the centre meet its set objectives.