The Director-General of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and light Weapons, NATFORCE, Dr Baba Mohammed, has congratulated Christians in this yuletide season, urging Nigerians and NATFORCE officers to be vigilant as agents of peace and law-abiding citizens of Nigeria.
Dr. Mohammed also extended his felicitation to Christians across the West African sub-region on the occasion of the 2021 Christmas celebration, acknowledging that this season symbolizes hope for humanity.
He urged the public to remain optimistic, believing that Nigeria’s security challenges would not last long, as the NATFORCE bill would soon be passed and the force upgraded to Commission status as the ECOWAS treaty to which the decision was taken unanimously.
In a statement issued by the DG’s Office, he urged citizens to emulate God’s love to mankind and replicate same by helping to make Nigeria illegal arms, ammunition and light weapons free and peaceful in the spirit of this season.
The DG also noted that the bill has passed the first and second reading, currently awaiting the final stage to give NATFORCE the required legal framework and backing to carry out its activities as required.
Explaining further that as a legally recognized organization, NATFORCE, when fully established, will be known as National Commission, NATCOM, and independent from any other agency or center.
He said, “It is an organization with unique community based structures and mandate as agreed by the leaders of the ECOWAS member states.”
He stated that the National Assembly has made significant progress on the bill since the beginning of this year and has assured Nigerians of their commitment to expedite the process, because the establishment of NATFORCE/NATCOM is critical to our national security.
The DG directed officers to refrain from granting media interviews or making press statements, without first obtaining permission from the DG’s office.
He thanked the officers for their dedication and patriotism in helping in the elimination of illegal arms, ammunition, and light weapons in West Africa, in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to Nigeria’s safety and security, adding that despite obstacles, the President had remained unwavering in this cause and has made some appreciable success.
He concluded that there has been remarkable and notable advancement in the growth of security agencies, development and improvement in officers’ welfare under the Buhari administration.
