Borno Judiciary Pledges Support to Tackle Illicit Arms in Northeast
By Samuel Luka,
Bauchi
The Borno State Judiciary has vowed to partner with the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) in order to combat the spread of illicit arms and ammunition in the Northeast.
Chief Judge of Borno state, Hon. Justice Kashim Zannah made the pledge at a workshop on forfeiture and handling of small arms and light weapons, urging stakeholders to enlighten youths to reject violence and illicit firearms.
The Chief Judge appreciated the Centre for organizing the workshop and commended its efforts in addressing the menace of illicit arms proliferation in the region.
He assured that judges and Magistrates within his jurisdiction would continue to support the centee in the discharge of its statutory mandate in accordance with the law.
The NCCSALW Northeast Zonal Director Maj-Gen. Abubakar Adamu (Rtd) assured the centre’s readiness to tackle arms proliferation in collaboration with stakeholders, emphasizing the crucial role of judicial officials and law enforcement agencies.
He said described as “very instructive”, the role of judicial officials, prosecutors, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders in ensuring that judicial decisions on arms forfeiture translate into tangible and lasting security gains.
Adamu urged participants to engage actively, share experiences and contribute practical insight that would help strengthen procedures, close existing gaps and enhance the effective implementation of court judgments on arms forfeiture disposal.
“This workshop is to strengthen the capacity of prosecutors, judicial officers and other critical stakeholders involved in firearms related cases. It is designed to address gaps in the prosecution, adjudication and post judgement handling of firearms related cases”, he said.
He recalled that a similar workshop was organized by the centre in Yobe state on Thursday where the Director, Public Prosecution of the state’s Ministry of Justice, Barr. Abdullahi Yusuf, said that collaboration of prosecutors with NCCSALW would determine whether future generations inherit a Nigeria plagued by gun violence or one where peace, security, and the rule of law prevail.