The National Commission for the Coordination and Control of Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NATCOM) has responded to the misinformation surrounding former Acting Director-General of the commission, Otumba Adejare Adegbenro.

In a decisive move to uphold the integrity of the Commission, the Council of State Directors/Coordinators convened an emergency meeting on May 5, 2024, to address the concerning behavior of Dr. Otumba Adejare Adegbenro.

Addressing newsmen yesterday in Abuja, the secretary of the Council of State Directors (CSDs), Yunisa Ibrahim Olije, stated that the council unanimously passed a vote of no confidence on Dr. Otumba Adejare Adegbenro, who served as the Acting Director-General since June 3, 2023.

He stated that the concerning behavior of Adegbenro since he assumed the role of Acting Director-General of the Commission on June 5, 2023, following the vote of no confidence passed on Dr. Baba Mohammed.

He said Adegbenro was found to be involved in illegal recruitment activities through an unauthorized Facebook portal, misleadingly using the President's image to solicit fraudulent applications.

He, however, noted misuse of authority, as Adegbenro was observed using unauthorized militia uniforms to deceive the public and engage in extortion, despite warnings from national security agencies.

He mentioned that Adegbenro's unrestrained press releases, containing inflammatory remarks, risked public safety and exacerbated insecurity concerns.

He stressed that this decision aims to halt any further damage to the commission's image and integrity. The appointment of Dr. Agaba Iduh Fidel as Acting Director-General.

He said in replacement of Adegbenro, the council appointed Fidel, the current Interim Director-General, to assume the role of Acting Director-General of the Commission.

Olije emphasized that the chairman and secretary of the Council of State Directors have been tasked with signing and communicating the official letter of appointment to Dr. Agaba Iduh Fidel accordingly.

He noted that this resolution underscores the commission's commitment to upholding transparency, accountability, and the highest standards of leadership to fulfill its mandate effectively.

Olije said due to a lack of credibility, Adegbenro was terminated within one month and subsequently picked up by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other security agencies for alleged fraudulent activities.

On his part, the new Acting Director-General of NATCOM, Dr. Agaba Iduh Fidel, highlighted the organization's efforts to create job opportunities and contribute to national security by combating the circulation of unauthorized arms.

Fidel, however, called on the support of the media, government agencies, and civil society to help disseminate accurate information and collaborate in addressing these pressing challenges.