The federal government has destroyed 1,316 assorted illicit weapons in Abuja as part of a renewed campaign to curb the proliferation of small arms and light weapons across the country.
The exercise, which took place on Thursday, was organised by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) and marks the fifth of such destructions since the centre was established.
Johnson Kokumo, director-general of the NCCSALW, said the exercise was not only about neutralising obsolete, illicit, and unserviceable weapons but also about sending a clear message that the federal government is determined to ensure such arms never return to circulation.
“With today’s exercise, NCCSALW has destroyed over 13,230 illicit, obsolete, and unserviceable weapons in just four years,” Kokumo said.
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“This is not just about destroying weapons but demonstrating transparency and accountability to ensure these arms never return to circulation.”
He said the exercise aligns with Nigeria’s obligations under regional and international treaties such as the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons and the United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms.
Kokumo added that the destruction further demonstrates Nigeria’s resolve to meet international benchmarks for security governance.
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The NCCSALW boss also highlighted ongoing collaborations with neighbouring countries, particularly Chad and Cameroon, to combat cross-border trafficking of arms.
He said the partnerships have already begun to yield results, noting that effective control of illicit weapons cannot be achieved by Nigeria alone.
He expressed gratitude to the armed forces and security agencies, particularly the chief of army staff, for providing storage facilities and supporting the exercise.
In his remarks, Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser (NSA), represented by Kokumo, described illicit weapons as a “monstrous challenge” to Nigeria’s peace, stability, and development.
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He said the proliferation of small arms has fuelled conflicts, criminality, and terrorism, stressing that the federal government would not relent in its efforts to confront the problem.
He also said the recent signing of the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Act 2024 by President Bola Tinubu will provide a robust legal framework to address the menace.
“This event is a reminder of our collective responsibility to support government efforts in combating criminality, terrorism, and banditry,” Ribadu said.
“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.”
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