Nigeria destroys 2,809 illicit arms in crackdown on illegal weapons

Nigeria's National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), operating under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), carried out the destruction of 2,809 illicit, decommissioned and unserviceable weapons on Thursday at the Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment in Giri, Abuja. The operation was part of broader government initiatives aimed at curbing the spread of illegal firearms, which have been linked to rising levels of violence across the nation. The destruction exercise followed months of intensified operations by security agencies including the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement bodies. These efforts have focused on recovering and neutralizing weapons used in terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and communal conflicts. According to officials, the presence of these weapons continues to exacerbate insecurity, making their removal a key priority for authorities. At the event, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, was represented by the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dennis Otuaro. He emphasized that the proliferation of illicit arms remains a central factor behind the persistent security crisis in Nigeria. Every weapon retrieved by security forces, he stated, represents a potential threat eliminated from society. The destruction process, therefore, serves both as a practical measure and a deterrent against future misuse. Ribadu further explained that the exercise sends a clear signal to those engaged in the illegal production, trafficking and use of firearms. By ensuring that all recovered weapons are permanently destroyed, the government aims to prevent them from re-entering criminal networks. This approach is designed to disrupt the cycle of violence and reduce the availability of weapons to would-be attackers. The Director-General of the NCCSALW, Johnson Kokumo, underscored the importance of the destruction process in safeguarding public safety. He noted that each weapon properly recovered, registered, decommissioned and destroyed reduces the overall number of threats facing citizens. Since its establishment in 2021, the center has reported the recovery and destruction of approximately 19,000 illicit weapons, reflecting sustained efforts to control the flow of illegal arms. Kokumo highlighted the collaborative nature of the initiative, which involves coordination with the military, police and other security agencies. The NCCSALW plays a central role in regulating, recovering and destroying illicit small arms and light weapons, addressing the growing threat posed by their uncontrolled circulation. The organization works closely with these entities to ensure comprehensive coverage of weapon-related issues across the country. The operation comes amid reports of increased smuggling and illegal manufacturing of firearms, particularly in border regions and conflict-prone areas. Officials have previously raised concerns over the ease with which criminals can acquire weapons, often through informal channels or cross-border trade. The recent destruction of 2,809 weapons marks another milestone in the government’s campaign to tighten control over the arms supply chain and mitigate associated risks. As the effort continues, authorities remain committed to reducing the impact of illegal weaponry on national security.