National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu confirmed that the destruction of over 19,000 illegal and obsolete firearms by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) highlights the government’s dedication to improving public safety. During a ceremony in Abuja, 2,809 additional weapons were incinerated, an event where Ribadu was represented by Presidential Amnesty Programme head Dr. Dennis Otuaro.
Ribadu emphasized that the proliferation of illegal arms is directly linked to terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. By publicly and permanently destroying these items, the government ensures they cannot be reintroduced into society. The administration’s broader security strategy, led by President Bola Tinubu, focuses on intelligence gathering, enhanced border control, and inter-agency cooperation. The NSA specifically commended the military, police, and other security branches for their role in these seizures.
NCCSALW Director-General DIG Babatunde Kokumo (retd.) noted that the agency operates under the 2024 Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Act to fulfill regional and international security obligations. To date, the centre has removed more than 21,000 weapons from circulation. Kokumo highlighted the Nigeria Police Force for providing the highest volume of confiscated arms, which included nearly 12,000 automatic and locally crafted pieces. The agency continues to warn criminal networks that any seized weaponry will face destruction.
