• Destroys Over 2,400 Illicit Weapons
• Blames Security Lapses for Proliferation
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has revealed that a significant number of illicit weapons used by terrorists and bandits in Nigeria were originally owned by the Federal Government.
He made this disclosure on Thursday during the Arms Destruction Exercise organized by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Ribadu attributed the leakage of these arms to corrupt elements within the security agencies. He lamented the impact of this on national security, particularly as it has empowered terrorists and criminals to destabilize the country.
“The worst human being is a policeman or a soldier who will take arms from his own formations and sell it or hide it out for the bad people to come and kill his own colleagues,” Ribadu stated, condemning the actions of these corrupt officials.
The NSA highlighted the urgency of tackling the issue, noting, “We have to find a way of putting a stop to this. We must, if we want to recover our country and live in peace and stability.”
He emphasized that the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons (SALW) remains a major threat to Nigeria’s security, fueling insurgency, banditry, and violent crimes.
Ribadu reassured the public that the federal government remains committed to supporting the NCCSALW and other security agencies in ensuring the safety of Nigerians.
“By destroying unserviceable, obsolete, and recovered arms, we are demonstrating our commitment to a secure future for all Nigerians,” he added, stressing that all illicit arms, not just unserviceable ones, should be destroyed as part of the ongoing efforts to restore peace.
Over 2,400 Illicit Weapons Destroyed as FG Tackles Arms Proliferation
The event also featured remarks from the Director-General of the NCCSALW, Johnson Kokumo, who revealed that the destruction exercise marked the third in a series since the centre was established, and the first under his leadership.
Kokumo, a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, explained that over 2,400 illicit weapons were destroyed, including a mix of unserviceable, decommissioned, and recovered arms.
“These weapons have been mopped up by the military, police, and other security agencies across the country,” Kokumo said. He stressed the importance of removing these arms from circulation, noting, “By permanently removing these arms from circulation, we reduce the risk they pose to our communities and send a clear message that Nigeria will not tolerate the illegal trafficking and possession of small arms and light weapons.”
The exercise is part of Nigeria’s broader effort to address the proliferation of small arms, which remains a significant challenge not just for the country, but for the West African sub-region as a whole. Kokumo also disclosed that the NCCSALW has in its custody additional illicit arms that are still undergoing tracing, investigation, and legal processes.
These weapons, which were handed over by the Nigeria Customs Service and other agencies, will be destroyed in future exercises, further contributing to the nation’s efforts to tackle insecurity and maintain peace.
