President Bola Tinubu has appointed DIG Johnson Kokumo (retd.) as the new Coordinator of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons under the Office of the National Security Adviser. Kokumo takes over from Major-General AM Dikko (retd.), who was appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in May 2021.

Described as a seasoned law enforcement professional with over 30 years of experience in crime prevention, management, analysis, and control, Kokumo’s appointment was announced by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.

Having served as the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigations Department, Force Headquarters, Abuja, from 2022 to 2023, Kokumo is expected to utilize his expertise to revamp the Centre and develop new strategies to combat the proliferation of arms, a major contributor to insecurity in Nigeria.

The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons was established on May 3, 2021, following an Executive directive by Buhari in accordance with Article 24 of the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons. The Centre replaced the defunct Presidential Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons and serves as the institutional mechanism for policy guidance, research, and monitoring in this area.

The creation of NCCSALW was part of Nigeria’s efforts to restructure its security architecture, address emerging threats, and enhance regional mechanisms for the control, prevention, and regulation of small arms and light weapons.