“Real security begins with local knowledge & shared responsibility.” That principle guided a recent step-down training in the Shuwa community, Madagali LGA, Adamawa State, by participants who attended CLEEN’s recent training on Weapons and Ammunition Management (WAM) in the state.

The awareness session, supported by the UNDP, equipped critical local actors with the knowledge and tools to identify, prevent, and respond to Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW)-related risks within their community.

Recognising that sustainable peace begins at the grassroots, the initiative targeted a diverse range of participants such as traditional leaders, youth groups, women’s associations, persons with disabilities, voluntary security organisations, and national security providers.

The locals were left empowered with practical strategies to checkmate arms circulation and collaborate with formal security actors for early warning, information sharing, and the safe reporting of illegal weapons.