By Uthman Baba-Naseer, Minna
The National Youth Council Coalition of Nigeria (NYCCN) has honoured the Zonal Director of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), Dr. Abdul Adamu Eneche, in recognition of his contributions to national security, peacebuilding, institutional leadership and youth protection.
The recognition was presented during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the NYCCN, where the Council also reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the Centre in combating the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons across the country.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Eneche commended the Council for promoting peace, unity and youth development across the 19 Northern states. He explained that the NCCSALW was established through an Executive Order in 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari and was given statutory backing in 2024 after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the Act establishing the Centre.
According to him, the Centre is mandated to coordinate efforts aimed at controlling the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons in Nigeria, stressing that addressing the challenge requires collaboration among government agencies, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, community leaders and the youth.
Dr. Eneche identified porous borders, illegal local production of firearms by some blacksmiths and the involvement of a few compromised security personnel as major drivers of insecurity. He also expressed concern over the use of unsuspecting women to transport illegal weapons.
He said the Centre has intensified public enlightenment campaigns, intelligence gathering, stakeholder engagement and collaboration with security agencies to curb the spread of illicit arms. He added that all recovered weapons are destroyed in line with international best practices and under the supervision of relevant stakeholders to ensure transparency.
The Zonal Director urged the NYCCN to sustain efforts at educating young people on the dangers of illegal arms, noting that youths have a critical role in promoting peace and security within their communities. He assured the Council of the Centre’s readiness to deepen collaboration on peacebuilding initiatives.
Responding, NYCCN President Waziri thanked Dr. Eneche for the warm reception and the insights shared on the Centre’s activities. He said the visit had strengthened cooperation between the Council and the NCCSALW in advancing public awareness, youth engagement and community participation against the proliferation of illegal arms.
He described the NYCCN as the umbrella body representing youths across the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, adding that the organisation remains committed to youth empowerment, peacebuilding, good governance, education, economic development and national unity.
Waziri reaffirmed the Council’s readiness to partner with the Centre in promoting awareness campaigns, encouraging compliance with relevant laws and mobilising young people as ambassadors of peace.
As part of the visit, the NYCCN conferred on Dr. Eneche the Sir Ahmadu Bello Platinum Award, the traditional title of “Garkuwan Matasan Arewa” (Shield of Northern Youths), as well as the titles of Icon and Cynosure of Societal Transformation.
Presenting the awards, Waziri said the honours were approved during the Council’s 14th National Congress following an assessment of distinguished public servants whose contributions have significantly advanced peace, security and development in Northern Nigeria and the country.
The event concluded with a conference session, presentation of awards and a group photograph.
