President Muhammadu Buhari is seriously concerned about the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria and other member countries of the lake Chad Basin.
He says border control agencies and security services within member countries should step up to the plate and urgently stop the inflow and circulation of illegal weapons in the region.
The President who is also the Chairman of the Lake Chad basin commission said this in Abuja at the 16th Session of the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Lake Chad Basin Commission.
Member countries of the lake Chad basin commission are holding talks as the region is currently facing multiple security risks, including livelihood insecurity, climate change and violent conflicts.
This is another opportunity to discuss and review collective efforts at ensuring peace and stability in the region.
Chairman of the lake Chad basin commission President Muhammadu buhari acknowledged that terrorist threats have significantly reduced in the region, but he also admits that military actions alone cannot effectively win the war against terrorism.
President Buhari says funding the lake Chad basin commission has become increasingly challenging, considering the global economic crisis.
But he urged member countries to strenghten their commitment to sustaining the regional cooperation.
The Executive secretary of the Lake Chad basin commission Ambassador mamma nuhu said a lot has been achieved in confronting the various security issues within the region , particularly with the support of Nigeria.
The summit also received a report of the special envoy to Chad and the report of the 68th ordinary session of the council of minister’s in ensuring the proper functioning of the commission.
The issue of Border control and Border patrol across the West African Sub-Region has been a major issue of concern among nations following the rise of Non-State actors and Cross Border Terror groups such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, bandits and Others who have made the imposition of tighter border controls through patrols to ensure that the illegal movement of people, arms and ammunition is stopped.
