Friday, August 29, 2025 - As parts of the Federal Government’s efforts to control, the proliferation of illegal firearms the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) has destroyed 1,316 illicit arms.
The illicit arms were destroyed at the Muhammadu Buhari
Cantonment, Giri in Abuja, yesterday.
The event marked the fifth in the destruction by the centre
since its establishment in 2021.
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who
described the arms proliferation as a “monstrous challenge” to national peace
and stability. reaffirmed the government’s determination to stamp out the
illicit arms proliferation.
He noted that the Federal Government was resolved to take
firm measures, not only by strengthening domestic controls but also by working
with international partners to curb illicit arms flows.
He said: “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.
“This event today is a reminder to all Nigerians of our
collective responsibility to support the government and, by extension, the
security agencies in our fight to defeat criminality, terrorism, banditry and
all other forms of behaviours that threaten our national interest.”
Ribadu noted that the signing of the Control of Small Arms
and Light Weapons Act 2024 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had provided the
legal framework for a robust response to the menace. We, as patriotic citizens,
must stand up to be counted at this time.
“Let us trust the government, provide information to our
security agencies, and work together to restore our country to the path of
peace, security and development,” Ribadu said.
Director-General (DG) of NCCSALW, Deputy Inspector-General
of Police Johnson Babatunde Kokumo (rtd), said 1,316 assorted weapons were
destroyed during the exercise.
He said: ”With the exercise, NCCSALW has destroyed over
13,230 illicit, obsolete and unserviceable weapons in just four years.”
Kokomo emphasised that the exercise was in line with
Nigeria’s commitment to regional and international conventions, noting that
illicit arms destruction was not just about destroying weapons, but
“demonstrating our transparency and accountability in ensuring that illicit
arms never return to circulation“.
“This aligns with Article 17 of the ECOWAS Convention on
SALW and the United Nations Programme of Action on illicit arms.
“Beyond ECOWAS, we are engaging Chad and Cameroon to stem
the tide of cross-border arms trafficking. These engagements are already
yielding results.’’
The DG expressed gratitude to the Armed Forces and other
security agencies for their cooperation.
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