The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) has destroyed 1,316 illicit arms as part of the federal government’s efforts to control the proliferation of illegal firearms in the country.

The illicit arms were destroyed at the Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, Giri in Abuja, on Thursday.

The event marked the fifth in the series of destruction by the NCCSALW since its establishment in 2021.

Speaking at the venue, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s determination to stamp out the illicit arms proliferation.

Ribadu described the arms proliferation as a “monstrous challenge” to national peace and stability.

He noted that the federal government was resolved to take firm measures, not only by strengthening domestic controls but also by working with international partners to curb illicit arms flows.

He said, “It has become a major source of vulnerability in our society and stands out as a key driver of violent conflict, crimes and terrorism within and beyond our borders.

“This event today is a reminder to all Nigerians of our collective responsibility to support the government and, by extension, the security agencies in our fight to defeat criminality, terrorism, banditry and all other forms of behaviours that threaten our national interest.”

Ribadu noted that the signing of the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Act 2024 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had provided the necessary legal framework for a robust response to the menace. We, as patriotic citizens, must stand up to be counted at this time.

“Let us trust the government, provide information to our security agencies, and work together to restore our country to the path of peace, security and development,” Ribadu said.

The Director-General of NCCSALW, retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police Johnson Babatunde Kokumo, disclosed that 1,316 assorted weapons were destroyed during the exercise.

He said,” With today’s exercise, NCCSALW has successfully destroyed over 13,230 illicit, obsolete and unserviceable weapons in just four years.”

Kokomo emphasised that the exercise was in line with Nigeria’s commitment to regional and international conventions, noting that illicit arms destruction was not just about destroying weapons, but “demonstrating our transparency and accountability in ensuring that illicit arms never return to circulation. “

“This aligns with Article 17 of the ECOWAS Convention on SALW and the United Nations Programme of Action on illicit arms.

“Beyond ECOWAS, we are engaging Chad and Cameroon to stem the tide of cross-border arms trafficking. These engagements are already yielding results,” he said.

The DG expressed gratitude to the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their cooperation. (The Nation)