The Cross River State Government is set to commence biometrics and image capturing of non-state actors who are in possession of small arms and light weapons as part of efforts to mop up those in illegal hands in the State.
The effort is in collaboration with the Economic Community of West of Africa States, ECOWAS and the European Union, EU to promote peace across the country, particularly in the Niger Delta Region.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Amnesty and Rehabilitation, Austin Ibok while speaking in Calabar during a two-day sensitisation workshop to educate non-actors in possession of small arms and light weapons said there is the need for them to surrender their arms to strengthen peace and harmony among the citizenry.
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On their part, the Programme Coordinator of Presidential Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Dickson Orji and the ECOWAS Representative said there are still opportunities for those involved to surrender their arms and live a free life before the expiration of the period given.
The EU-ECOWAS Small Arms Project which is about civilian disarmament and the provision of alternative livelihood for those being disarmed in communities across the Niger Delta is aimed at reducing crimes in the country’s oil rich region.
