Nigeria is making headlines with a dramatic call to the international community to halt its so-called “naming and shaming” tactics amid the country’s ongoing security crises. This theatrical plea was voiced by Mr. Syndoph Endoni, the Chargé d’Affaires at Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, during a recent UN Security Council meeting in New York City.

In a sense of urgency, Mr. Endoni spotlighted the alarming increase in the Illicit Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW), which he claimed is wreaking havoc across the Sahel region. He painted a dire picture, claiming that the unchecked distribution of these weapons has worsened conflicts, fueled insurgencies, and spurred the actions of terrorist groups. He lamented the “tragic” loss of innocent lives, the displacement of countless communities, and the destruction of livelihoods,all due to these insidious arms.

“The human toll is staggering! Lives are lost, communities are torn apart, and livelihoods are obliterated,” Mr. Endoni passionately declared, as if to garner sympathy from the global audience. He went on to denounce the criminal activities linked to the availability of small arms as inhumane and “utterly unacceptable.”

In a bold jab, the Nigerian envoy insisted that the solution to these multifaceted issues doesn’t lie in public condemnation or stigmatization. “Naming and shaming is not the answer! Only by working together can we tackle this colossal problem,” he proclaimed, desperately calling for unity to tackle the root causes of insecurity.

This emotional outcry follows the United States’ controversial designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over allegations of Christian genocide,something the Nigerian government vehemently denies. Officials argue that such damaging labels not only distort the reality on the ground but also complicate the already fragile security situation.

As Nigeria faces a barrage of security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, and communal strife, the government is pushing for an immediate alliance against the proliferation of small arms. They assert that these weapons are a major catalyst of the violence and instability plaguing the region.

In summary, Nigeria’s emotional appeal to the global community reveals the urgent need for a deeper understanding of the intricate security dynamics in the Sahel. By fostering dialogue and collaboration instead of resorting to public shaming, the world can work toward sustainable solutions that prioritize the dignity and security of all involved.