FG destroys over 1,300 illegal weapons in Abuja
The Federal Government on Thursday destroyed 1,316 assorted illicit weapons in Abuja as part of efforts to curb the proliferation of small arms and light weapons across the country.
The exercise, organised by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), is the fifth since the centre was established and forms part of a nationwide campaign to prevent illegal arms from fueling insecurity.
Johnson Kokumo, Director-General of NCCSALW, said the destruction was not just about neutralising obsolete and unserviceable weapons but also about reinforcing government’s commitment to ensuring they never re-enter circulation.
With today’s exercise, NCCSALW has destroyed over 13,230 illicit, obsolete, and unserviceable weapons in just four years,” Kokumo said. “This is not just about destroying weapons but about demonstrating transparency and accountability to assure Nigerians that these arms will never return to circulation.”
He explained that the exercise aligns with Nigeria’s obligations under the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons as well as the United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms, underscoring the country’s resolve to meet international security benchmarks.
Kokumo also highlighted cross-border collaborations with Chad and Cameroon to curb arms trafficking, noting that results were already emerging. “Nigeria cannot achieve effective control of illicit weapons alone; our cooperation with neighbours is already beginning to yield results,” he said.
The NCCSALW chief commended the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their support, particularly the Chief of Army Staff for providing storage facilities that enabled the safe destruction of the arms.
Also speaking, National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu—represented by Kokumo—described the spread of illicit weapons as a “monstrous challenge” undermining peace, stability, and development in Nigeria.
Ribadu said the unchecked circulation of small arms has worsened conflicts, criminality, and terrorism nationwide. He noted that President Bola Tinubu’s signing of the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Act 2024 was a landmark step in providing a robust legal framework for the fight.
This event is a reminder of our collective responsibility to support government efforts in combating criminality, terrorism, and banditry,” Ribadu said. “As patriotic citizens, we must trust the government, provide information to our security agencies, and work together to restore our country to the path of peace, security, and development.”
