**Combating Illegal Arms Proliferation in Nigeria: A Critical National Security Issue**
The recent statement by Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), highlights a pressing issue in Nigeria: the presence of corrupt personnel in the security agencies, posing a serious threat to national security.
Speaking at the Weapons Destruction Exercise organized by the National Centre for Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) at the Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment in Giri, Abuja, Ribadu stressed that “the worst human being is a policeman or soldier who will take weapons from his own formations to sell or hide them for ill-intentioned individuals to come and kill his own colleagues.”
Ribadu revealed that a significant number of illicit weapons used in criminal activities in Nigeria come from government stockpiles. He blamed corrupt elements within the security agencies for facilitating the transfer of these weapons to non-state actors, including terrorists and bandits.
He called for urgent action to combat the problem, saying, “We must find a way to stop it. If we want to reclaim our country and live in peace and stability, we must take decisive action.” He stressed the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all Nigerians.
The Weapons Destruction Exercise was touted as a critical step in the fight against the proliferation of weapons in Nigeria. “By destroying unserviceable, obsolete and recovered weapons, we are demonstrating our commitment to a secure future for all Nigerians,” he added.
The Director General of NCCSALW, retired DIG Johnson Kokumo, explained that the exercise marked the third in a series since the establishment of the centre and the first under his leadership. Over 2,400 illicit weapons, including unserviceable and disarmed weapons, were to be destroyed at the event.
Kokumo highlighted the threat posed by the proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) to peace and security in Nigeria and the West African sub-region. He stressed that the destruction of these weapons not only reduced the risks to communities but also sent a strong message against the illegal trafficking and possession of firearms in Nigeria.
The event brought together senior military officials, including the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, as well as representatives of various security agencies, stressing the collaborative effort needed to address the challenge of arms proliferation.
Combating the proliferation of illegal weapons is a critical national security issue in Nigeria. It is imperative that concrete steps are taken to eradicate corruption in the security agencies and stop the flow of illicit arms into the country. Only strong commitment and coordinated action will ensure security and stability for all Nigerians.