Kokumo: Terrorism, Violent Extremism, Illegal Arms Proliferation Inseparable Vices

Terrorism, violent extremism, and the proliferation of illegal arms are inextricably linked, according to DIG Johnson Babatunde Kokumo (Rtd), the Director-General of Nigeria's National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW).

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We are happy to say before you, the Inspector-General of Police, that the Centre has destroyed over 16,000 obsolete, decommissioned and unserviceable weapons since its inception.

Kokumo highlighted that the availability of illicit weapons fuels various forms of violent crime across the nation. He made these remarks during a visit to the Inspector-General of Police in Abuja, where he disclosed that the NCCSALW has successfully destroyed over 16,000 obsolete, decommissioned, and unserviceable weapons since its establishment.

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The Nigerian Police Force, a Force that I am very proud of, was able to supply to the Centre a total number of 11,907 illicit, unserviceable, obsolete and decommissioned weapons.

The Nigeria Police Force has been a significant contributor to this effort, supplying the center with 11,907 illicit, unserviceable, obsolete, and decommissioned weapons. This figure includes 8,438 automatic weapons and 3,489 locally fabricated firearms. Kokumo noted that illicit arms can originate from porous borders, diversion from government stockpiles, or local artisanal production, with some locally manufactured weapons becoming increasingly sophisticated.

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The proliferation of illicit arms and ammunition in Nigeria and terrorism, violent extremism are intertwined. They are inseparable. It is the availability of illicit weapons that encourages violent extremism and all forms of violent crimes across the board.

In response, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun stressed the paramount importance of enhancing armoury management practices within the Nigeria Police Force. He called for robust control, accountability, and regular inspections of weapon storage facilities to safeguard against both external threats and internal compromise. Egbetokun underscored that only trustworthy personnel should manage these facilities, emphasizing the need for regular audits and inventory checks to ensure accountability.

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Armoury security is equally critical. We must strengthen the security of our armouries against external threats and internal compromise. It is important that only trustworthy personnel are entrusted with the responsibility of managing these facilities, while regular inspections, audits and inventory checks are carried out to ensure accountability.