The Federal Government has destroyed 2,819 illicit, obsolete, decommissioned and unserviceable small arms and light weapons as part of ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal firearms and strengthen national security.
The destruction exercise, carried out on Thursday by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), took place at the Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment in Giri, Abuja. The weapons were recovered from security operations conducted by various military, police and other law enforcement agencies across the country.
Speaking at the event, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, represented by the Director of Defence Affairs in the Office of the NSA, Major General H.I. Mabeokwu, said the destruction of the weapons demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to preventing illicit firearms from re-entering circulation.
He described the proliferation of small arms and light weapons as a major driver of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes, stressing that reducing the number of illegal weapons in circulation is critical to improving national security.
Director-General of the NCCSALW, retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police Johnson Babatunde Kokumo, said the exercise formed part of the Centre’s broader strategy to promote an arms-free Nigeria through responsible arms management and disposal.
According to Kokumo, the Centre has destroyed more than 16,000 illicit, obsolete and decommissioned weapons since its establishment, with the Nigeria Police Force accounting for a significant proportion of the firearms recovered for destruction.
He noted that all weapons earmarked for destruction undergo verification and documentation before being permanently disposed of in line with national regulations and Nigeria’s commitments under regional and international arms control agreements.
The event was attended by senior government officials, military and security chiefs, representatives of law enforcement agencies and development partners, who reiterated the need for stronger collaboration to combat the illicit trafficking and proliferation of small arms.
Authorities said the destruction exercise is intended to enhance transparency in arms management while ensuring that seized and obsolete firearms are permanently removed from circulation to prevent diversion to criminal elements.
