The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) has destroyed 2,809 illicit, decommissioned and unserviceable weapons recovered by security and law enforcement agencies across Nigeria. The destruction exercise took place on Thursday at the Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment in Giri, Abuja, according to NTA News.
Combating the Proliferation of Illegal Firearms
The move is part of the federal government's strategy to curb the proliferation of illegal weapons, which has been identified as a key driver of insecurity in Nigeria. Speaking at the event, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, represented by the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dennis Otuaro, said the availability of illicit arms significantly contributes to the persistence of various security threats.
Mr Ribadu listed these threats, which affect communities across the country:
- Terrorism
- Insurgency
- Banditry
- Kidnapping
- Communal clashes
- Other violent crimes
He stressed that these criminal activities continue to thrive because of the easy access to illegal firearms. According to him, every weapon recovered by the armed forces, the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies, and every weapon permanently destroyed through such exercises, represents a threat removed from society.
Strong Warning to Offenders
The National Security Adviser further noted that the destruction exercise sends a strong and clear message to individuals involved in the illegal manufacture, trafficking, and use of firearms. Recovered illicit weapons will be permanently destroyed to prevent them from returning into criminal networks, he added.
The Director-General of the NCCSALW, Johnson Kokumo, also spoke during the event. He described the destruction of recovered firearms as a critical step in preventing them from being reused in criminal activities. "Every weapon that is properly recovered, registered, decommissioned and destroyed is one less weapon available to threaten the lives and safety of Nigerians," Mr Kokumo said.
Centre Has Destroyed About 19,000 Weapons Since 2021
Mr Kokumo disclosed that the centre has recovered and destroyed approximately 19,000 illicit weapons since its establishment in 2021. This milestone underscores the ongoing efforts by the NCCSALW to reduce the circulation of illegal arms and improve public safety across Nigeria.
The centre, which operates under the Office of the National Security Adviser, coordinates national efforts to regulate, recover, and destroy illicit small arms and light weapons. It collaborates with the military, police, and other security agencies to tackle the growing threat posed by the proliferation of illegal firearms.
Importance of Weapons Destruction
The destruction of decommissioned weapons is a globally recognized practice in arms control and conflict prevention. Proper disposal ensures that these weapons do not fall back into the hands of criminals, rebels, or terrorists. In Nigeria, where insecurity has remained a major challenge for years, the removal of even a single weapon from circulation can have a significant impact.
The exercise at the Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment also serves as a deterrent to those who may be considering the unlawful acquisition or use of firearms. It demonstrates that the government is committed to taking concrete action against the illegal arms trade and related criminal activities.
Broader National and International Context
Nigeria has faced persistent security challenges, including insurgency in the North East, banditry and kidnapping in the North West, and other violent crimes across the country. The proliferation of small arms and light weapons has exacerbated these threats, prompting the federal government to strengthen arms control measures.
The NCCSALW plays a pivotal role in this effort. Its work aligns with the National Action Plan on Arms Control and with regional and international frameworks, including the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons and the United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms.
As security agencies continue to recover illegal weapons, the destruction of these arms remains a vital part of breaking the cycle of violence. Each destruction exercise, such as the one in which 2,809 weapons were eliminated, reduces the potential for further armed conflict and criminality.
Call for Sustained Action
While the latest destruction exercise marks progress, security experts have called for sustained action to prevent the inflow of new illicit weapons. This includes enhancing border security, strengthening law enforcement capacities, and addressing the underlying drivers of arms trafficking.
The government has also been encouraged to support the NCCSALW with adequate resources to carry out its mandate effectively. Continued investment in arms control will be essential to curbing the proliferation of small arms and light weapons and ensuring a safer Nigeria for all citizens.
