In a decisive push to curb the proliferation of illegal firearms threatening Nigeria’s security, the Federal Government has destroyed 1,316 illicit arms, reaffirming its commitment to ending the cycle of violence, crime, and terrorism fueled by uncontrolled weapons.
The destruction exercise, which took place yesterday at the Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, Giri, Abuja, was spearheaded by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW). It marked the fifth large-scale destruction by the centre since its establishment in 2021.
Speaking at the event, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, described arms proliferation as a “monstrous challenge” undermining Nigeria’s stability and peace. He stressed that the Federal Government remains resolute in dismantling the networks that fuel the inflow and circulation of illicit weapons.
> “It has become a major source of vulnerability in our society and stands out as a key driver of violent conflict, crimes, and terrorism within and beyond our borders,” Ribadu declared.
“This event is a solemn reminder of our collective duty as Nigerians to stand with government and security agencies in defeating criminality, banditry, terrorism, and all threats to our national interest.”
Ribadu highlighted that the recent signing of the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Act, 2024 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had strengthened the legal and institutional framework to wage a more effective battle against illegal arms.
He urged citizens to play their part by cooperating with security agencies, sharing credible intelligence, and supporting the government’s broader quest to restore peace, stability, and development across the country.
On his part, the Director-General of NCCSALW, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Johnson Babatunde Kokumo (rtd), disclosed that with this latest operation, the centre had destroyed over 13,230 illicit, obsolete, and unserviceable weapons in just four years.
According to him, the destruction exercise was not merely about eliminating dangerous weapons but also about building public trust through transparency and accountability, ensuring that seized arms never find their way back into circulation.
> “This aligns with Article 17 of the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and the United Nations Programme of Action on Illicit Arms,” Kokumo explained.
“Beyond ECOWAS, Nigeria is also engaging with Chad and Cameroon to stem cross-border arms trafficking — and we are already recording encouraging results.”
Kokumo commended the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their steadfast cooperation, noting that the fight against illicit arms is not just a government responsibility but a national and continental imperative.
With thousands of weapons already neutralized, the Federal Government insists that Nigeria is making steady strides toward breaking the grip of arms proliferation and building a safer, more secure nation for its citizens.
PIONEER NEWS 