Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu has stated that every illegal firearm seized and destroyed significantly boosts national security and public safety. Speaking during a visit from the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) in Abuja, Disu advocated for stronger cooperation and immediate intelligence sharing between the Nigeria Police Force and the Centre.
Disu emphasized that the police force remains at the vanguard of removing illicit, stolen, and locally fabricated weapons from circulation through specialized units. He praised the NCCSALW for its training programs on armoury management and weapon safety, noting their value to law enforcement personnel. The IGP identified porous borders, waterways, and illicit local manufacturing as primary sources of weapon infiltration, noting that some locally produced guns are crafted to deceptively mirror imported models.
To mitigate these threats, the IGP called for the dismantling of illegal manufacturing networks and stricter oversight of government armouries to prevent the diversion of state-owned weapons. He also encouraged public participation in disarmament efforts, framing security as a shared responsibility. With upcoming elections in mind, the police have intensified recovery operations and are considering a joint campaign to encourage voluntary weapons surrender.
DIG Johnson Kokumo (Rtd), the Director-General of the NCCSALW, echoed these sentiments, stressing that no single agency can solve the arms proliferation crisis independently. He called for a unified approach involving all stakeholders, government entities, and the public to ensure national stability.