By peterside Rejoice Eneky
In a continued effort to combat violent crimes and terrorism, the Federal Government has destroyed 3,867 illegal firearms in Abuja. The weapons, either seized by security agencies or voluntarily surrendered, were destroyed during an official exercise at the Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment in Giri.
The exercise, coordinated by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), is the fourth of its kind since the Centre was established in 2021.
Speaking at the event, NCCSALW Director-General, retired Deputy Inspector General of Police Johnson Kokumo, said the destroyed arms included a variety of calibres and types, recovered from criminals, intercepted at ports, or handed in under arms control initiatives.
“Some weapons intercepted at Onne Port and the NAHCO shed of the Murtala Mohammed Airport are still under investigation and will be destroyed in future exercises,” Kokumo added.
Also speaking at the event, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu represented by his aide Asishana Okauru emphasised that curbing the spread of small arms and light weapons is a core part of the government’s national security strategy.
“The continued availability of illicit SALW fuels conflict, terrorism, and banditry across the country. This destruction sends a strong message of our resolve,” Ribadu said.
He highlighted the recently signed Small Arms and Light Weapons Act 2024 by President Bola Tinubu as a key legislative step in tackling arms proliferation.
Ribadu called on Nigerians to support the initiative by cooperating with authorities and providing timely intelligence, stating, “We are determined to reclaim our communities and restore peace across the nation.”
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