In our continued advocacy against the proliferation of arms, our team, led by the Director of Programmes, paid a courtesy visit to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW). This is a government institution that collaborates with both local and international partners, as well as with communities at the grassroots level, to ensure that strategies to fortify defences against the threats posed by unregulated weapons are implemented and sustained.

The delegation was warmly received by the Director General, Johnson Babatunde Kokumo, DIG of Police (rtd), and his team. Discussions primarily focused on how both organisations can collaborate and align efforts in the fight against illegal arms. In the past, CLEEN has worked with the NCCSALW regional office in Maiduguri, and the team has given an excellent representation of the values the Centre upholds. DIG Johnson also acknowledged CLEEN’s longstanding work in the public safety space and expressed a strong interest in partnering on future joint projects.

CLEEN Foundation was graciously presented with a plaque of recognition, as well as a handbook on the core functions of the centre. Moreover, the visit highlighted the need for public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the dangers of illicit weapons. By fostering community vigilance and responsibility, both organisations aim to create safer environments. They also discussed strengthening legal frameworks and enhancing the capacity of law enforcement agencies to effectively address this issue.