UNDP, CLEEN Foundation Urge Collective Action on Security, Conclude Stakeholder Sensitization on Arms Management in Yola

In a decisive step toward tackling the growing threat of arms proliferation in Nigeria’s North-East, the CLEEN Foundation in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and with funding support from the European Union, has concluded a four-day capacity-building workshop and awareness campaign on the control of small arms and light weapons in Yola, Adamawa State.

The sensitization campaign brought together key players, including security agencies, community leaders, civil society groups, ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), and non-state actors. Notable among the participants was Celia Samson and other community stakeholders, who gathered to discuss sustainable strategies for managing arms and ensuring internal security.

According to a 2021 report, an estimated 6.1 million small arms are in the hands of non-state actors in Nigeria a staggering figure that poses a serious threat to the nation’s internal peace and stability.

During the workshop, the Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, Mr. Peter Maduoma, stressed the importance of stakeholder involvement in managing small arms effectively. “This program is crucial, especially for security personnel, in improving arms control and management to combat insurgency and other threats in the North-East,” Maduoma noted. He encouraged participants to cascade the knowledge gained to their communities.

The UNDP Programme Specialist, Mr. Peter Olowo, described the timing of the event as “critical,” emphasizing that community-based approaches are key to sustainable peace. He praised the commitment of participants, adding that their resilience reflects a shared determination to address insecurity from the grassroots.

CLEEN Foundation’s Programme Manager, Mrs. Chigozirim Okoro, echoed this sentiment, explaining that the training provided practical tools for improving coordination among stakeholders and strengthening local mechanisms to track and manage arms.

Representing the Adamawa State Commissioner of Police, CP Morris Dankombo, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Dobeli Division, CSP Ali Masoyi, urged attendees to return to their communities and put their knowledge into action by sensitizing others on responsible arms management. “Security starts with you,” he stated. “Your communities will be safer when this knowledge is passed on.”

Participants described the workshop as eye-opening, with many expressing renewed commitment to grassroots mobilization against arms proliferation.

The District Head of Malkohi, Alhaji Abubakar Gidado, speaking on behalf of traditional leaders and community groups, thanked the organizers and pledged to engage local hunters and vigilante groups in the campaign for responsible weapons control.

As observed by our correspondent, the workshop marks a significant step in addressing illegal arms circulation in the region. With increased collaboration between state and non-state actors, CLEEN Foundation says it is optimistic the initiative will yield long-term results in promoting peace and stability in Adamawa and beyond.