NOA intensifies campaigns against proliferation of small arms

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has intensified its campaign against the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Akwa Ibom State.

The Akwa Ibom Director of NOA, Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, flagged off the campaign in Uyo on Saturday. He said that the proliferation of small arms and light weapons poses a significant threat to national peace and security.

He said the threat posed by the proliferation of small arms and light weapons was significant. It required all relevant stakeholders and members of the public to support the campaign for national peace and security.

“The proliferation of small arms and light weapons poses a significant threat to national peace, security and development.

“These weapons are often used to perpetrate crimes of unimaginable size and violation of human rights,” he said. “This often leads to the destruction of countless lives. It also results in the loss of property of unquantifiable value.”

Mkpoutom expressed displeasure. He noted that small arms and light weapons were particularly dangerous. These weapons were easily obtained by non-state actors, including criminal organisations and terrorist groups.

In her remarks, Mrs Nsidibe Udoette, Head of Department of Community Safety, Awareness and  Compliance, noted several issues. Proliferation contributes to organised crime. It also contributes to trafficking. It also undermines the rule of law and promotes other illegal activities.

Udoette added that small arms have been linked to many human rights abuses, including targeted killings and gender-based violence.

She said that the campaigns would be taken to all 31 local government areas of the state.