FG committed to end proliferation of illicit weapons — NSA Ribadu

….as NCCSALW destroys 1,316 illicit arms in Abuja

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on Thursday, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to stamping out the proliferation of illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in Nigeria.

Ribadu disclosed while speaking at the destruction exercise organised by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) in Abuja

The NSA, who was represented by the Director-General of NCCSALW, retired DIG Johnson Kokumo, lamented that the menace of illicit arms in the country was a “monstrous challenge” to national peace and stability.

Ribadu pointed out that the Federal Government was resolved to take firm measures, not only by strengthening domestic controls but also by working with international partners to curb illicit arms flows.

The NSA said, “There is no gainsaying the fact that the proliferation of SALW constitutes a huge threat to our national security it has become a major source of vulnerability in our society and stands out as a key driver of violent conflict, crimes and terrorism within and beyond our borders.

“This event today is a reminder to all Nigerians of our collective responsibility to support the government and, by extension, the security agencies in our fight to defeat criminality, terrorism, banditry and all other forms of behaviours that threaten our national interest.”

The NSA further added that the signing of the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Act 2024 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had provided the necessary legal framework for a robust response to the menace.

He said, “We, as patriotic citizens, must stand up to be counted at this time, let us trust the government, provide information to our security agencies, and work together to restore our country to the path of peace, security and development.”

In his remarks, the Director-General disclosed that 1,316 assorted weapons were destroyed during the exercise.

He explained that the exercise was the fifth in a series of arms destruction exercises by the Centre.

“With today’s exercise, NCCSALW has successfully destroyed over 13,230 illicit, obsolete and unserviceable weapons in just four years,” he said.

He pointed out that the exercise was in line with Nigeria’s commitment to regional and international conventions.

“What we are doing today is not just destroying weapons, but demonstrating our transparency and accountability in ensuring that illicit arms never return to circulation.

“This aligns with Article 17 of the ECOWAS Convention on SALW and the United Nations Programme of Action on illicit arms,” he said.

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