In a significant move towards addressing the proliferation of illegal arms in Nigeria, the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) is set to destroy a staggering 30,132 decommissioned, unserviceable, and illicit arms and ammunition by the end of September 2024. This includes 3,383 arms and 26,749 different calibres of ammunition, some of which were retrieved from arms-bearing government agencies.
DIG Johnson Kokumo (retd.), the National Coordinator of NCCSALW, made this announcement during a workshop on gender mainstreaming in the prevention of small arms proliferation in Nigeria and West Africa, held in Abuja. Kokumo explained that the upcoming destruction exercise would involve items retrieved from major arms-bearing agencies such as the Defence Headquarters, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, and the Nigeria Police Force.
He stated, The National Centre has retrieved a total of 3,383 decommissioned, unserviceable, obsolete, and illicit small arms and 26,749 calibres of ammunition.The destruction will also include arms and ammunition collected from the Defence Intelligence Agency, Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Nigeria Customs Service.
Kokumo emphasized the critical nature of this arms destruction exercise, saying it is a crucial step toward ensuring that recovered arms are permanently removed from circulation. This move aims to prevent these weapons from falling into the wrong hands and fueling further violence and insecurity in the country.
The control of small arms and light weapons proliferation is not only a national concern but also a matter of international importance, Kokumo said. The illegal flow of small arms and light weapons has contributed to escalating violence, instability, and insecurity, not only in Nigeria but across the globe.
Small arms and light weapons (SALW) are known to have devastating consequences, particularly in conflict zones where they fuel violence and undermine peace efforts. Kokumo noted that women and children are often the most affected by the proliferation of these weapons, bearing the brunt of the crises and conflicts they perpetuate.
To tackle this, Kokumo advocated for gender mainstreaming in efforts to control the spread of small arms and light weapons. Gender mainstreaming in SALW control is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic move,he said. Involving women in disarmament and security policies will ensure that the unique impact of armed conflict on women and children is considered in the development of solutions.
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, represented by Ibrahim Babani, Director of External Affairs at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), commended the legislative backing of NCCSALW, particularly President Bola Tinubu’s recent assent to the bill establishing the Centre. This legal framework strengthens the Centre’s mandate, enabling more decisive and coordinated actions against illegal arms proliferation.
Ribadu also highlighted the need for gender considerations to be integrated into the fight against the spread of small arms and light weapons, reinforcing the government’s commitment to a more inclusive and strategic approach to security.
The NCCSALW’s planned destruction of over 30,000 arms and ammunition is a significant step towards curbing the flow of illicit weapons in Nigeria. As part of a broader strategy to enhance national and regional security, the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to addressing the root causes of violence and instability. By integrating gender-sensitive policies and securing legislative support, the Centre is better positioned to take decisive action in the fight against illegal arms proliferation.
This disarmament effort not only aims to remove dangerous weapons from circulation but also signals a more holistic approach to security that considers the unique vulnerabilities of women and children in conflict zones.