The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), under the Office of the National Security Adviser, successfully destroyed over 2,400 illicit small arms and light weapons on Thursday.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), these weapons were confiscated from criminals by various security agencies throughout the country.
Retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, Johnson Kokumo, the Director General of the Centre, announced prior to the destruction that this significant quantity of small arms and light weapons was set to be eliminated.
He explained that the weapons included a combination of unserviceable, decommissioned, and recovered arms collected by security agencies nationwide. Kokumo emphasized that this destruction would effectively remove these weapons from circulation, thereby mitigating the risks they posed to communities.
Furthermore, he indicated that this action serves as a strong statement against the illegal trafficking and possession of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria.
Kokumo also highlighted that the National Centre is currently holding additional recovered illicit small arms and light weapons, which are still undergoing tracing, investigations, and legal proceedings. These include weapons handed over by the Nigeria Customs Service, which will be destroyed following the completion of the necessary legal processes in future routine destruction exercises.
“This event marks a crucial milestone in our continued battle against the spread of illicit small arms and light weapons in Nigeria, showcasing the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring national security and promoting peace within the nation and the broader West African region,” Kokumo stated.
He noted that the destruction of over 2,400 illicit weapons, comprising unserviceable, decommissioned, and recovered arms, is a significant achievement.
Kokumo explained that the destruction process has important security implications. The first phase involved incinerating the weapons to eliminate wooden and plastic components, while the second phase will include smelting the remaining metal parts at a steel mill.
These measures are designed to ensure the complete eradication of these weapons from society.
“This operation aligns with Article 17 of the ECOWAS Convention on small arms and light weapons, as well as the UN Programme of Action aimed at preventing, combating, and eradicating the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. These frameworks emphasize the need for transparent documentation and responsible disposal of recovered arms to prevent them from re-entering criminal hands,” Kokumo added.
The destruction event was attended by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, members of the National Assembly, and representatives from various security agencies.
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