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 in the state as part of efforts to mop up those Illegally holding weapons 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 Nigeria, particularly in Niger Delta region.
Special Adviser to Governor Ben Ayade on Amnesty and Rehabilitation, Austin Ibok, while speaking in Calabar during a two-day sensitization 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 amongst the citizenry.
On their part ,the programme Coordinator of Presidential Committe 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 the community in the Niger Delta Region is hoped to reduce crimes in the oil-rich region.