The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, under the Office of the National Security Adviser, conducted the destruction of over 2,400 illicit small arms and light weapons in Abuja on Thursday.
These weapons, which had been confiscated from criminals by various security agencies across Nigeria, included a mix of unserviceable, decommissioned, and recovered arms.
Johnson Kokumo, the Centre’s Director-General, explained that the destruction was a significant step in removing dangerous weapons from circulation, ultimately reducing the risks they pose to communities.
He emphasized that the exercise also sent a clear signal that Nigeria would not tolerate the illegal trafficking and possession of such arms.
Kokumo further revealed that some illicit small arms and light weapons currently under investigation or legal proceedings, including those handed over by the Nigeria Customs Service, would be destroyed in future exercises once the necessary processes were completed.
The destruction of these weapons, Kokumo stated, had crucial security implications. The first phase of the process involved burning the weapons to eliminate their wooden and plastic components, ensuring they could never again be used for criminal activity.
“This exercise aligns with the ECOWAS Convention on small arms and light weapons and the UN Programme of Action to combat the illicit trade in SALW,” he said.
“These frameworks emphasize transparent documentation and the responsible disposal of recovered arms to prevent them from falling back into the hands of criminals.”
The event was attended by key security figures, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Defence Chief Christopher Musa, and representatives from the National Assembly and other security agencies.