The Federal Government has disclosed that over 13,000 illegal firearms and light weapons have been seized and destroyed across the country in the last four years as part of efforts to curb the proliferation of small arms and reduce violent crimes.
The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), announced this on Friday during a symbolic destruction exercise in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the National Coordinator of NCCSALW, Major General Abba Mohammed Dikko (rtd), said the recovered arms were mopped up through joint operations by security agencies, voluntary surrender, and intelligence-driven raids in different states.
“The Federal Government is resolute in addressing the menace of illegal arms, which fuels banditry, insurgency, and communal conflicts. Between 2020 and 2024, we have successfully recovered and destroyed over 13,000 illicit weapons. This is part of our commitment to strengthening national security and ensuring peace,” he said.
He explained that the destruction of the weapons was in line with international conventions on arms control, adding that the government is also working with regional bodies to tackle cross-border arms trafficking.
Representative of the National Security Adviser, Mr. Nuhu Ribadu, commended security agencies for their collaboration and urged Nigerians to support the disarmament initiative by providing useful intelligence.
Civil society organizations present at the ceremony hailed the government’s effort but stressed the need for a more comprehensive strategy that addresses the root causes of arms proliferation, such as porous borders, poverty, and political violence.
Analysts note that while the destruction of seized weapons is a positive step, Nigeria still faces a huge challenge in controlling the estimated millions of illicit arms believed to be in circulation.
