Insecurity: FG’s Security Agency Recovers Over 22,000 Arms Nationwide

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By Idris Ayinde

The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) says it has recovered more than 22,000 firearms across Nigeria since 2015 as part of efforts to curb insecurity and stem the proliferation of illicit weapons.

The North-East Zonal Director of the Centre, Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Adamu (rtd.), disclosed this on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Maj.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose, in Maiduguri, Borno State.

Adamu said the proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) remained a major national security concern, fuelled by cross-border trafficking, diversion from authorised stockpiles, local firearms production and the availability of weapons to criminal networks and violent extremist groups.

He explained that the Centre, under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), continued to collaborate with relevant security and law enforcement agencies to recover, document, trace and destroy illicit, obsolete and unserviceable arms, ammunition and explosives.

According to him, the Centre was implementing its mandate through law enforcement support, inter-agency coordination, capacity building, stockpile management, arms recovery and destruction, community engagement and public sensitisation.

He added that the NCCSALW also supported the arrest, investigation and prosecution of individuals involved in offences relating to the illicit possession, trafficking and sale of small arms and light weapons.

Adamu cited cases involving the importation of 844 firearms and 112,500 cartridges, the recovery of 55 Jojef Magnum shotguns, as well as cases of unlawful arms possession and sales.

He further disclosed that the Nigeria Customs Service had handed over several recovered illicit arms to the Centre, while other government agencies authorised to bear arms had also made recoveries and transferred the weapons to the NCCSALW for appropriate action.

The zonal director reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with security agencies and other stakeholders to reduce the circulation of illegal weapons and improve national security.

During the visit, Adamu also commiserated with the Theatre Commander over the recent Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in which some personnel reportedly lost their lives.

In his response, Ajose appreciated the Centre and its zonal director for the visit and their efforts towards addressing the proliferation of illicit arms.

He also directed his Chief of Staff to designate a desk officer who would maintain regular liaison with the NCCSALW’s North-East Zonal Centre to strengthen coordination and ensure effective collaboration between both organisations.