“Before this training, I thought peace was something only the government could give. Now I know it’s something we must all build, one action at a time.” – Youth Participant, Borno State
This sound bite by a participant captures the heart of the 4-day Weapons and Ammunition Management (WAM) training organized by CLEEN Foundation in partnership with the UNDP in 3 Northern states – Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe. The training brought together civil society groups, traditional leaders, ministries, and security agencies to address the uncontrolled spread of small arms and light weapons in the North East.

The program’s primary objective is to equip local security forces and community members with the necessary skills to handle weapons and ammunition responsibly, thereby reducing the risk of misuse and enhancing overall safety. Community engagement was a critical component of the program, focusing on galvanizing trust and collaboration between security forces and local populations. The training session encouraged community members to participate actively in reporting finds. This participatory approach not only improved the effectiveness of security measures but also empowers communities to take an active role in their safety and development.