The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, Bode Ojajuni, has called for enhanced coordination in the post-judgment management of small arms and light weapons, describing it as critical to strengthening national security.
Ojajuni made the call while participating in a one-day seminar organised by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Abeokuta, where stakeholders examined strategies for effective handling of recovered arms after court proceedings.
The police commissioner described the initiative as timely, noting that the proliferation of illicit weapons among non-state actors continues to drive criminal activities across the country.
He emphasised that small arms and light weapons remain the primary tools used in crimes, stressing the need for sustained collaboration among security agencies to address the threat.
Ojajuni acknowledged that law enforcement agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, have made significant progress in recovering illegal arms. However, he pointed out that many of such weapons remain in custody after judicial processes, often stored in armouries under exhibit keepers.
He warned that delays in properly managing these recovered weapons could pose security risks, advocating for a centralised and proactive framework to ensure their prompt retrieval and control once court cases are concluded.
The seminar, coordinated by the South-West Director of the Centre, Abiodun Alamutu, brought together key stakeholders including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Customs Service, Department of State Services, Nigeria Immigration Service, the military, and the Ministry of Justice.
Participants deliberated on best practices and strategies to strengthen arms control systems, improve inter-agency coordination, and enhance national security outcomes.
Ojajuni commended the organisers and reaffirmed the Ogun State Police Command’s commitment to collaborative security efforts, effective arms control, and the protection of lives and property across the state.
