By Onwa Ekor
Director General of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), DIG Johnson Kokumo (rtd), says he is overwhelmed with the feats recorded by the South-South Zonal office of the Centre on issues of intelligence gathering and arms recovery operations.
The DG made the commendation through the Director of Policy and Plans, Major General Sani Suleiman, during a two-day working visit to the South-South Zonal Headquarters in Calabar, recently.
The DG remarked that the Zone has distinguished itself as one of the most effective formations in intelligence-driven operations across the country after securing the highest number of arms cache recoveries nationwide over the past three years, describing the development as a significant contribution to national security.
“It is from this zone that we have recovered the largest number of arms cache in the last three years. The intelligence we receive here is among the most reliable and timely,” he stated.
Kokumo also disclosed that the zone recently played a key role in the arrest of a long-sought suspect, an operation that has earned the Centre national recognition.
According to him, the South-South Zone remains one of the most responsive across all geopolitical zones, consistently delivering timely and high-quality intelligence outputs, adding that, “the content, quality, and responsiveness from this zone have always been of high standard.”
The Director General attributed the zone’s success to strong leadership, teamwork, and institutional cohesion, even as he applauded the Zonal Director for maintaining discipline and professionalism among personnel.
He acknowledged existing challenges including funding, infrastructure gaps and staff welfare, assuring that efforts were ongoing to address them.
Kokumo further disclosed plans to develop a permanent office complex for the zone and strengthen operational facilities, including the zonal armoury, while also working towards gradual regularisation of contract staff to ensure continuity and institutional memory.
He added that ongoing reforms under the Office of the National Security Adviser would further strengthen the Centre’s operational capacity and national reach.
The Director General charged the South-South Zone to sustain its momentum and continue improving efficiency in the fight against illicit small arms and light weapons proliferation.
Earlier, the Zonal Director, Dr. Alex Ebimiebo, welcomed the Director General to the South-South Zone and to Calabar, describing the visit as a strong morale booster and demonstration of leadership commitment.
He reaffirmed the zone’s dedication to the Centre’s mandate of preventing and controlling the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons through intelligence gathering and collaboration with sister security agencies, despite operational challenges.
