By: Our Reporter, Calabar
The Director General of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), DIG Johnson Kokumo (rtd), has commended the South-South Zonal Office for its outstanding performance in intelligence gathering and arms recovery operations across the region.
The commendation was conveyed on his behalf recently by the Director of Policy and Plans, Major General Sani Sulieman, during a two-day working visit to the South-South Zonal Headquarters in Calabar.
The Director General described the South-South Zone as one of the most effective operational formations of the Centre, particularly in intelligence-led interventions across the country.
He revealed that the zone has recorded the highest number of arms cache recoveries nationwide over the past three years, describing the achievement as a major 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 brought further recognition to the Centre at the national level.
According to him, the South-South Zone has consistently stood out among all geopolitical zones in terms of responsiveness, speed, and quality of intelligence output.
“The content, quality, and responsiveness from this zone have always been of high standard,” he added.
He attributed the zone’s success to strong leadership, teamwork, and institutional cohesion, while commending the Zonal Director for maintaining discipline and professionalism among personnel.
The Director General also acknowledged operational challenges facing the Centre, including funding constraints, infrastructure gaps, and staff welfare concerns, but assured that efforts were ongoing to address them..
He disclosed plans to establish a permanent office complex for the zone and strengthen critical operational facilities, including the zonal armoury. He also noted ongoing efforts to gradually regularise contract staff to ensure institutional stability and continuity.
Kokumo added that reforms under the Office of the National Security Adviser would further enhance the Centre’s operational capacity and nationwide effectiveness.
He charged the South-South Zone to sustain its momentum and continue improving efficiency in the fight against the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons.
The Director General rated the zone’s overall performance as “very high,” stressing that its contributions remain invaluable to headquarters operations in Abuja.
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 a demonstration of leadership commitment.
He reaffirmed the zone’s dedication to the Centre’s mandate of preventing and controlling illicit small arms and light weapons through intelligence gathering and collaboration with sister security agencies, despite operational challenges.
