National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has disclosed that the majority of arms illegally used to commit crimes across Nigeria were originally government-owned.
He made this revelation on Thursday during the Arms Destruction Exercise organized by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) at Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, Giri, Abuja.Ribadu attributed the proliferation of these weapons to corrupt elements within security agencies, condemning personnel who facilitated the transfer of arms to terrorists and other non-state actors. He vowed that the government would take all necessary steps to restore security in the country, denouncing those involved in such activities as harmful to the nation.”The worst kind of person is a soldier or policeman who supplies arms to criminals. These actions endanger the lives of their colleagues and citizens alike,” Ribadu emphasized. He further warned that combating these individuals, along with external arms traffickers, is crucial to reclaiming Nigeria’s peace and stability.The NSA highlighted the arms destruction exercise as part of a series of measures aimed at addressing the challenges of small arms proliferation, which he identified as a significant threat to national security, exacerbating issues like insurgency and banditry. He assured that the government remains dedicated to supporting initiatives to curb the illicit circulation of these weapons.The Director General of NCCSALW, retired DIG Johnson Kokumo, noted that this event marked the third arms destruction exercise since the Centre’s establishment and the first since his tenure began. Over 2,400 illicit weapons, including decommissioned and recovered arms, were destroyed. Kokumo explained that these arms were seized by various security agencies nationwide.By permanently removing these arms from circulation, Kokumo expressed, the exercise underscores Nigeria’s stance against illegal arms trafficking, aligning with both ECOWAS and UN commitments to prevent and eradicate the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons.
