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The National Security Adviser has overseen the destruction of more than 3,000 illegal weapons recovered during mop-up operations nationwide.
The National Security Adviser has overseen the destruction of more than 3,000 illegal weapons recovered during mop-up operations nationwide. This bold move aims to curb the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the country. Reports from the Global Counterterrorism Forum estimate that over 40 million small arms in Africa are held by non-state actors, including private individuals. In West Africa alone, around 11 million of these weapons are in civilian hands, contributing to insecurity across Nigeria and the wider Sahel region.
Recognizing the significant threat posed by the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, the office of the National Security Adviser, through the National Center for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, has successfully mopped up over 3,000 items. The increase in these weapons poses major vulnerabilities to national security and has become a key driver of violent conflict, crime, and terrorism within and beyond our borders.
The destruction of these weapons sends a clear message that the federal government is committed to ridding the country of illicit arms. The proliferation of small arms and light weapons has been a persistent challenge to national and regional peace and security for over two decades, resulting in significant distress to our socioeconomic well-being and overall development. This issue remains central to the security challenges facing Nigeria today, including terrorism, banditry, ethno-religious conflicts, violent extremism, and organized criminal activities across our borders.
With thousands of arms now decommissioned, authorities emphasize that this is just one step in a long-term strategy to improve national security, disrupt the arms black market, and reduce the violence driven by illegal weapons.
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