Arms Proliferation: Nigerian Government Destroys 3,867 Illicit Weapons In Major Crackdown.
In a significant step towards bolstering national security, the Federal Government of Nigeria destroyed 3,867 illicit small and light weapons (SALW) on Thursday, 5 June 2025, at the Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment in Giri, Abuja. The exercise, conducted by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to curbing the proliferation of illegal firearms and combating violent crime and terrorism across the nation.
The destruction was overseen by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Governance and Subnational Liaison, Mr Asishana Okauru. Speaking at the event, Ribadu emphasised that the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s stability, fuelling insurgency, banditry, and other violent crimes. “Nigeria can defeat terrorism through the concerted efforts of the Federal Government and the unity of the citizenry to control the proliferation of illicit arms,” he stated, highlighting the collective responsibility to restore peace and security.
The weapons, a mix of unserviceable, decommissioned, and recovered arms, were seized by security agencies across the country, with some intercepted by the Nigeria Customs Service at Onne Port and the NAHCO shed at Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos. Retired Deputy Inspector General of Police Johnson Kokumo, Director General of the NCCSALW, described the exercise as a vital measure to reduce the misuse of firearms, noting that poorly secured and illegal weapons are a key driver of violent conflict and crime within and beyond Nigeria’s borders.
The destruction marks the fourth such exercise since the NCCSALW’s establishment in 2021, a historic step towards addressing arms proliferation through an institutional platform aligned with international protocols. Kokumo stressed that the challenge transcends national borders, calling for a robust, unified response. “This exercise sends a clear message that Nigeria will not tolerate the illegal trafficking and possession of small arms and light weapons,” he said, urging citizens to provide timely intelligence to support security efforts.
The initiative aligns with the recently signed Small Arms and Light Weapons Act 2024, enacted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which strengthens the government’s framework to tackle illicit arms. Ribadu commended the NCCSALW for its milestone achievements, expressing confidence in its ability to significantly eradicate illegal weapons from society.
The destruction process, which involved burning and smelting the 3,867 firearms, serves as a stark reminder of Nigeria’s resolve to safeguard communities and foster peace across the nation and the West African sub-region. The Federal Government continues to call on all Nigerians to support security agencies in the fight against criminality, terrorism, and other threats to national stability.
This decisive action reflects Nigeria’s broader strategy to address the complex challenge of arms proliferation, a critical step towards reclaiming peace and securing a safer future for all.