Nigeria destroys over 19,000 illicit weapons to boost security

Nigeria has destroyed more than 19,000 illicit, decommissioned, and unserviceable small arms and light weapons, signaling a strong commitment to improving national security. The destruction, carried out by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), was highlighted by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

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the destruction of more than 19,000 illicit, decommissioned and unserviceable small arms and light weapons by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) demonstrates sustained commitment by government to making Nigeria safer.

Ribadu, represented by the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, emphasized the direct link between the proliferation of illegal weapons and the insecurity plaguing Nigeria, citing terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping as major consequences. He stated that each destroyed weapon represents a removed threat to society and stressed the importance of transparent destruction processes to prevent seized arms from re-entering circulation.

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From the perspective of the Office of the National Security Adviser, the relationship between illicit arms and the insecurity confronting our country is direct and undeniable.

The Nigerian government's security strategy, under President Bola Tinubu, focuses on intelligence-led operations, enhanced inter-agency collaboration, disrupting criminal financing, bolstering border security, and engaging international partners. The control and destruction of illicit arms are central to this strategy, complementing law enforcement and military actions by reducing the weaponry available to criminal elements.

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Public, transparent and verifiable destruction, such as we are witnessing today, permanently closes that possibility. It guarantees that these recovered weapons can never again be used against any Nigerian.

The NSA commended the NCCSALW, the Armed Forces, police, Department of State Services, and Customs Service for their roles in recovering the weapons. He urged the public, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to support security agencies by providing credible information on illegal arms activities. Ribadu issued a stern warning to those involved in the illegal arms trade, stating that all recovered illicit weapons will ultimately be destroyed.

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To those who remain engaged in the illegal manufacture, trafficking or use of weapons, let today’s exercise serve as a clear message: every illicit weapon recovered will ultimately end where these weapons are ending today, in the fire, never to return to our streets.