The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, participated in a one-day seminar on effective post-judgment management of small arms and light weapons, organized by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Abeokuta. Describing the initiative as timely and pivotal to addressing security challenges, CP Ojajuni said the proliferation of illicit arms in the hands of non-state actors continues to fuel criminality and must be curbed through strategic collaboration and sustained dialogue.
CP Ojajuni noted that while the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies have recorded notable successes in recovering illegal arms, a substantial number remain in custody after judicial processes, stored in armouries under exhibit keepers across various agencies. He stressed that such weapons are the primary tools used by criminals, and the lack of coordinated retrieval poses avoidable security risks. He advocated for a proactive, centralized framework to ensure immediate mop-up of recovered arms once court proceedings conclude.
The seminar, coordinated by South-West Director of NCCSALW, retired CP Abiodun Alamutu, brought together key stakeholders including the NSCDC, Nigeria Customs Service, DSS, Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigerian Military, and the Ministry of Justice to deliberate on best practices for arms control. CP Ojajuni reaffirmed the Ogun State Police Command’s dedication to inter-agency collaboration, effective arms control measures, and the protection of lives and property across the state.
